Trump at pope’s funeral: Talks with Zelenskyy before Mass
President Donald Trump arrives to Pope Francis' funeral
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived to Pope Francis funeral on Saturday. Pope Francis died at the age of 88 years old.
The White House confirmed Saturday that President Trump met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy before the pope's funeral.
Here’s what to know about Trump’s time in Rome and the Vatican City:
Trump at pope’s funeral
President Donald Trump was among more than 50 heads of state and other dignitaries attending the funeral for Pope Francis in Vatican City on Saturday.
Former President Joe Biden and former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden were also in attendance.
RELATED: Pope Francis funeral homily: Watch and read full transcript
Trump and Zelenskyy meeting at Vatican
In this handout photo released via the official social media channels of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) meets with U.S. President Donald Trump (L) during Pope Francis's funeral at St. Peter's Basili
Both the White House and Zelenskyy's office confirmed the two had a brief meeting at the Vatican.
After Trump was shown to his seat for the funeral, he was immediately followed out of St. Peter's Basilica by Zelenskyy, who was met with a burst of applause from the audience.
Big picture view:
This was the first face-to-face conversation between Trump and the Ukrainian leader since they, along with Vice President JD Vance, argued during a heated Oval Office meeting in late February.
The meeting lasted about 15 minutes inside St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, where Francis often preached the need for a peaceful end to the war.
What they're saying:
"We discussed a lot one on one. Hoping for results on everything we covered. Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out," Zelenskyy said on X. "Very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results. Thank you."
Trump didn't elaborate when asked if he’d just be meeting with leaders in passing or holding more in-depth talks. He noted that his stay in Rome would be short.
"It’s a little tough because we don’t have much time," he said. Trump arrived late Friday and was scheduled to head back to the United States immediately after the funeral.
"I think that we’re going to try and see a couple of people that are important in what we’re doing," said Trump, who is working to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine and negotiate trade agreements with multiple countries.
What's next:
Teams were working to organize the follow-up conversation.
Trump and Zelenskyy blowup
Full video: Trump-Zelenskyy Oval Office meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at the White House Friday for a high-stakes meeting with President Donald Trump, as he tries to persuade the White House to provide some form of U.S. backing for Ukraine's security against any future Russian aggression.
The backstory:
On Feb. 28, Zelenskyy was in the U.S. to sign a minerals deal when things abruptly went sour with the U.S. president and vice president.
Trump told Zelenskyy "you've got to be more thankful," while Vice President JD Vance called Zelenskyy disrespectful.
The Ukrainian leader was asked to leave the White House by top Trump advisers shortly after Trump shouted at him, showing open disdain.
"You’re gambling with World War III, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country that’s backed you far more than a lot of people say they should have," Trump told Zelenskyy.
READ MORE: Trump-Zelenskyy meeting gets heated: 'Gambling with World War III'
Trump ‘Vladimir stop!’
The face-to-face Saturday comes just days after Trump on Thursday offered rare criticism of Vladimir Putin, urging the Russian leader to "STOP!" after a deadly barrage of attacks on Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital.
READ MORE: "Crimea will stay with Russia," Trump insists as Ukraine war rages on
Trump blue suit
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square on April 26, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Photo by Antonio Masiello/Getty Images)
Meanwhile:
President Trump drew the public's attention Saturday for wearing a dark blue suit and a lighter blue tie in a sea of mournful black attire.
The Source: Information in this article was taken from The White House and the social media channels of the Office of the President of Ukraine. Background information was taken from The Associated Press and previous FOX Television Station reportings. This story was reported from Detroit.