Former President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, joined dozens of world leaders Saturday to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 following a series of health complications.
The Vatican held a solemn funeral Mass for the late pope in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a private burial at the Basilica of St. Mary Major. The Vatican confirmed that over 250,000 mourners visited Pope Francis’s body over three days as he lay in state at St. Peter’s Basilica before Saturday’s funeral. His coffin was sealed on Friday evening.
A total of 164 official delegations attended the funeral, including 54 heads of state and twelve monarchs. Among the attendees were French President Emmanuel Macron, British royal Prince William, Argentine President Javier Milei, and former U.S. President Joe Biden, the second Roman Catholic president in American history.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was also present. He met privately with Donald Trump during the day to discuss a potential cease-fire in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung called the meeting "very productive." This was the first time the two leaders spoke in person since a tense Oval Office exchange two months prior.
Zelensky later posted about the meeting on social media, sharing a photo of himself sitting across from Trump. In his message, Zelensky described the conversation as "good" and "hopeful," emphasizing their joint interest in achieving a full ceasefire and lasting peace.
“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. Very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results,” Zelensky wrote, thanking Trump for his engagement.
Further discussions between the two leaders are reportedly underway.
The funeral took place amid heightened tensions abroad, following a new wave of Russian missile attacks on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv. In response, Trump sharply criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, writing on his social media platform, Truth Social, “Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5,000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!”
On Saturday, Trump reiterated his concerns, suggesting Putin might not be serious about seeking peace.
“There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas... It makes me think maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war and has to be dealt with differently — through ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions’? Too many people are dying!!!” Trump wrote.
His comments drew attention because Trump has traditionally avoided direct criticism of Putin during his political career.
Meanwhile, the solemn atmosphere at the Vatican was underscored by applause for Zelensky as he entered St. Peter’s Square, reflecting global sympathy for Ukraine’s ongoing struggles.
Trump’s visit to Rome also marked his first international trip since retaking office in January. Saturday was also a personal milestone, as Melania Trump celebrated her 55th birthday abroad.
Before departing for Italy on Friday, Trump praised Pope Francis as a “good man” who “loved the world,” despite their occasional policy disagreements — particularly regarding immigration. Pope Francis had been critical of Trump's immigration enforcement policies, clashing most recently with Vice President JD Vance.
Vance, who met with the pope on Easter Sunday just hours before his death, also issued a statement honoring the late pontiff’s memory.
According to the Vatican, Pope Francis died from complications following a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and subsequent heart failure. His health had been fragile in recent months, having been hospitalized for bronchitis and a respiratory infection in February.
Now, the Church enters a traditional nine-day mourning period known as Novemdiales, during which daily Masses will be offered for the late pope. Afterward, the College of Cardinals will convene to elect Pope Francis’s successor in a secretive conclave that typically begins 15 to 20 days after a pope’s death.
Speculation is already underway about who will become the next pope. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s longtime Secretary of State, are among the leading names mentioned in Vatican circles.
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