Trump and Zelensky dialogue during Pope Francis’s funeral

The president of the United States, Donald Trump, and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, held a brief conversation on the imposing corridors of the Basilica of San Pedro in the framework of Pope Francis’s funeral, dialogating “face to face” about possible peace initiatives in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

“It was a good meeting. We talked a lot privately,” Zelensky published in X. “We expect results about everything we deal with.”

The Ukrainian President described this informal mini summit. The conversation took place while both leaders were in the Vatican to say goodbye to Francisco, who in the last years of his pontificate had erected in a tireless defender of peace in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

According to Zelensky, the two heads of state addressed issues such as “the protection of the life of our people”, the need for a “high and unconditional fire” and the search for a “reliable and lasting peace that prevents another war from exploding.”

“The conversation could be historical if we achieve joint results,” said Zelensky.

The White House Cabinet Deputy Director Dan Scavino, also shared images of the meeting, in which Vatican officials are observed accommodating the ornate chairs where both leaders sat.

During his pontificate, Pope Francis regularly used his public address, especially the prayer of the Angelus, to ask for peace between Ukraine and Russia.

The Holy Father repeatedly urged both countries to achieve a peaceful solution to the conflict, and on several occasions he even sent material help to Ukraine, dispatching ambulances to save lives in war areas.

Translated and adapted by the ACI Press team, originally published in CNA.