Zelenskyy Attends Pope Francis' Funeral in Rome, Holds Initial Meeting With President Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Rome on Saturday, April 26, to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, according to Presidential Press Secretary Serhii Nykyforov.

Zelenskyy, accompanied by First Lady Olena Zelenska and a Ukrainian delegation, participated in the funeral ceremony alongside world leaders, heads of state, government officials, and delegations from Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa.

According to Nykyforov, Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump held a brief meeting in Rome before the funeral. Sky News earlier reported that further negotiations were expected after the ceremony. According to the source, “the main issues were already discussed” during their initial conversation.

Following the funeral, President Trump returned to the United States without holding another round of talks. According to Sky News, Trump also met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni before departing from Rome’s Fiumicino Airport.

Prior to his departure for Rome, Zelenskyy had stated that Ukraine would be represented at the funeral even if he could not attend in person. In that case, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and First Lady Olena Zelenska would have led the delegation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Sybiha traveled to Rome as part of the official delegation.

Meanwhile, the funeral ceremony for Pope Francis has officially begun at the Vatican. Thousands of faithful, 50 world leaders, and 170 delegations are attending the procession, according to Sky News.

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