World leaders gathered in Vatican City on Saturday, April 26, 2025, to pay their respects to Pope Francis, whose death earlier this week had drawn a crowd of approximately 250,000 people to St. Peter's Square. The funeral not only marked a moment of mourning but also served as a backdrop for high-stakes diplomacy amid ongoing global tensions, including a trade war and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Among the notable attendees was US President Donald Trump, who arrived with First Lady Melania Trump and was joined by leaders from over 150 countries. The event provided a rare opportunity for spontaneous diplomacy, with many world leaders seizing the moment to engage in informal discussions.
Before the funeral service, Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the first time since their heated exchange in the Oval Office earlier this year. The two leaders spoke privately in St. Peter’s Basilica, sitting face to face in front of a mosaic depicting the baptism of Jesus. Their conversation followed a brief huddle with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Following their meeting, Trump took to his social media platform, stating, “There is no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days.” This remark reflected the ongoing concerns regarding Russia’s military actions in Ukraine and suggested that Trump felt a change in strategy was necessary.
During the funeral, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivered a homily that seemed to resonate with the tensions between Trump and the late pontiff, particularly regarding the White House's immigration policies. Re’s comments included a call to 'Build bridges, not walls,' a phrase frequently emphasized by Pope Francis during his papacy. This message underscored the contrasting views on immigration and humanitarian issues between the pontiff and Trump's administration.
As the ceremony unfolded, the atmosphere in St. Peter's Square shifted from somber reflection to a vibrant display of international unity, with leaders engaging in the traditional Sign of Peace. Trump was seen shaking hands with French President Emmanuel Macron, exchanging pleasantries during this rite of communion.
In addition to his interactions with Zelenskyy and Macron, Trump also briefly met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The premier's office released a photo capturing the moment, showing Meloni alongside Trump and Melania at St. Peter's. Before the funeral, Meloni had also met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and later lunched with Argentine President Javier Milei.
The funeral was attended by numerous dignitaries, clerics, and celebrities, as well as the average faithful, all coming together to honor the legacy of Pope Francis. The Vatican's efforts to organize the event were intense, reflecting the pope's significant influence on global affairs and his commitment to dialogue and peace.
Despite the focus on the pope's contributions, the presence of so many powerful leaders turned the funeral into a stage for diplomacy. The interactions among various heads of state highlighted the urgency of addressing pressing global issues, particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the economic challenges posed by the trade war.
As Trump departed the Vatican on Air Force One, he was met with new polling data indicating a decline in public support. Reports show that Americans, including some Republicans, are losing faith in his leadership, with many describing his second term as “scary.” This sentiment reflects broader concerns about his administration's handling of various crises.
Polling released this week revealed that Trump's approval ratings are historically low for a president nearing the 100-day mark of his term. The results suggest that many voters are dissatisfied with his focus on issues and policies that they feel are not aligned with their priorities.
In the backdrop of these developments, the Trump administration faced criticism over its immigration policies, including the deportation of a two-year-old US citizen without adequate legal process. This incident, along with others, has sparked outrage among advocates and legal experts, who argue that such actions undermine the rights of individuals and families.
The political landscape remains contentious, with the Trump administration's approach to immigration drawing fire from both sides of the aisle. The arrest of Wisconsin judge Hannah Dugan, accused of helping a man evade immigration officers, has further intensified the debate over judicial independence and the administration's aggressive stance on immigration enforcement.
In a separate but related controversy, Trump's recent pardon of a former Las Vegas councilwoman, Michele Fiore, has also drawn sharp criticism. The Las Vegas Review-Journal, owned by Trump mega-donor Miriam Adelson, condemned the pardon as a “debasement of presidential pardon power,” highlighting the growing discontent with Trump's decisions among even his supporters.
As the world reflects on the life and legacy of Pope Francis, the events of his funeral serve as a reminder of the complex interplay between faith, politics, and global diplomacy. The gathering of leaders at St. Peter's Square not only honored a beloved figure but also underscored the urgent need for collaboration and dialogue in addressing the pressing challenges facing the world today.
The funeral of Pope Francis, while a moment of mourning, also became a pivotal point for discussions that could shape international relations in the months and years to come. As leaders returned to their respective nations, the hope remains that the spirit of unity and peace championed by the pope will inspire action towards resolving ongoing conflicts and fostering a more compassionate world.
