Pope Francis’s funeral was also one of the largest meetings of leaders and heads of state since the Queen’s funeral in London in 2022 – providing a chance for some impromptu diplomacy
World leaders gathered in Rome to pay their respects to Pope Francis as the pontiff was laid to rest.
The sombre gathering was also one of the largest meetings of leaders and heads of state since the Queen’s funeral in London in 2022 – providing an opportunity for some impromptu diplomacy.
The Pope’s funeral comes at a moment of great global turmoil, as negotiations to end the war in Ukraine enter a critical phase and the world reels from Donald Trump’s sweeping trade tariffs.
Extraordinary images from inside St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City showed Mr Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky locked in talks. It marked their first face-to-face meeting since the US President berated Mr Zelensky in the Oval Office in February, where he shouted at him “you don’t have the cards”.
READ MORE: Donald Trump breaks silence after Zelensky face off – and TURNS on Putin
But today, the Ukrainian leader said the par had shared a “very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results”.
Mr Trump later expressed scepticism that Vladimir Putin wants to end the war. “There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days,” he posted on Truth Social.
“It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through “Banking” or “Secondary Sanctions?” Too many people are dying!!!”
Keir Starmer, France’s Emmanuel Macron and Mr Trump gathered to discuss the war, including the PM’s plan to form a “coalition of the willing” to enforce a future peace deal. Mr Zelensky walked over to join them, before going to speak to Mr Trump privately.
After the funeral, the Prime Minister welcomed Mr Zelensky to the British ambassador’s residence in Rome, where the Ukrainian President received a round of applause from staff.
The PM’s wife Victoria Starmer joined them for a warm chat, before the leaders went for a 15-minute stroll around the ornate gardens.
They were then joined by officials for a formal 25-minute meeting. A UK source said: “There’s real optimism about imminent progress [on ending the war].” British insiders believe the White House is engaged in trying get a deal over the line, but many areas of it are still in dispute.
The US has been pressing Ukraine to accept Russian control of vast swathes of occupied land, which President Zelensky has said Kyiv cannot accept. There is also the question of how peace could be protected, to prevent Russia from invading again.
Mr Starmer and Mr Macron have been spearheading efforts to create a peacekeeping force, with around 30 nations indicating they could offer support. But only a few have publicly committed to putting boots on the ground.
A key stumbling block has been Mr Trump’s refusal to offer a US security guarantee to any police deal but the US has now reportedly opened the door to offering intelligence and logistical support.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister met President Zelenskyy in Rome this afternoon. They discussed positive progress made in recent days to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
“They agreed to maintain momentum and continue working intensively with international partners to drive forward the next stages of planning. The leaders agreed to speak again at the earliest opportunity.”
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