Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a face-to-face meeting at the Vatican before Pope Francis' funeral. The discussion, described as productive, focused on potential peace efforts in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Zelenskyy expressed hope for achieving a ceasefire and lasting peace, emphasizing the importance of protecting Ukrainian lives. This meeting marks their first encounter since a tense Oval Office meeting earlier this year. Both leaders have indicated a willingness to continue negotiations, with potential high-level talks planned.
10 days ago
U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican on April 26, 2025, prior to the funeral of Pope Francis 1 3. The meeting, which lasted approximately 15 minutes, marked their first face-to-face encounter since a tense exchange in February 1 3. The leaders were among numerous heads of state and dignitaries attending the funeral 1 3.
The primary focus of the discussion was the ongoing war in Ukraine and potential paths towards peace 2 6. Zelenskyy characterized the meeting as "good" and expressed hope for "results on everything we covered," emphasizing the protection of Ukrainian lives 1 6. He specifically mentioned the need for a "full and unconditional ceasefire" and a "reliable and lasting peace" to prevent future conflicts 1 2 3. Trump has been trying to broker an end to the war in Ukraine that began in February 2022 when Russia invaded 1.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of Pope Francis's consistent calls for peace and dialogue in the Russia-Ukraine war 2 6 9. Pope Francis had offered to mediate from the very beginning of the war 2. The relationship between Trump and Zelenskyy has been complex, marked by a controversial phone call in 2019 that led to Trump's impeachment and a reportedly heated exchange earlier in 2025 8. Trump has been pushing Zelenskyy to accept his terms for peace negotiations, which would allow Russia to control Ukrainian territory it seized by warfare 3. Zelenskyy seeks security guarantees and the use of frozen Russian assets to rebuild Ukraine 3.
Zelenskyy hailed the meeting as "very symbolic" with the "potential to become historic" if joint results are achieved 2 3. Trump's national security advisor, Mike Waltz, described the meeting as "tough diplomacy in one of the most beautiful places in the world" 3. Trump criticized media coverage of the negotiations and appeared to shift his tone on Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing concern over recent attacks on civilian areas 3. Senator Dick Durbin emphasized the need to hold on to Pope Francis's message of love, peace, understanding, and respect 3.
This scenario is fictional, as there is no record of Pope Francis having passed away. However, I can discuss the Catholic Church's teachings on peace, which would be relevant to a hypothetical meeting between political leaders at a papal funeral.
Here's a breakdown:
In the context of the hypothetical meeting: Trump and Zelenskyy's discussion would ideally focus on these principles: seeking true justice, promoting fraternity, engaging in sincere dialogue, and working towards a stable and lasting peace, keeping in mind the well-being of all people .