U.S. President Trump and President Zelensky Discuss Peace Just Before Pope Francis' Funeral within the Vatican's St. Peter's Basilica



On Saturday, April 26, 2025,  just before Pope Francis' funeral Mass, US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a discussion in the Vatican's St. Peter's Basilica.
A spokesperson for the White House called the meeting "very productive". President Zelensky, meanwhile, wrote on social media. "Good meeting. 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. Thank you @POTUS"
At the Vatican, Zelensky was received by Secretary of State Pietro Parolin; the president wrote: "I met with the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Our conversation focused particularly on the path to a just and lasting peace, as well as the efforts of Ukraine, the United States, and Europe to establish a full and unconditional ceasefire. I am grateful for the support of Ukraine’s right to self-defense and the principle that the terms of peace cannot be imposed on the victim country.We rely on the Holy See to continue to assist us in uniting international efforts to achieve peace, to return Ukrainian children deported by Russia, and to release prisoners."
The Ukrainian leader also noted that he spoke separately with France's President Emmanuel Macron and the UK's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, about a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. during the visit.
"During my meeting with President @EmmanuelMacron, we discussed the path toward a full and unconditional ceasefire and the need to apply pressure on Russia to establish it. I outlined the consequences of Russian attacks on Kryvyi Rih, Sumy, and Kyiv. To protect the lives of Ukrainians, there is a critical need to strengthen our air defense. We are counting on the support of our partners. I thank Emmanuel for his steadfast support of Ukraine and for all the efforts that help our people endure and bring peace closer."
******* Pope Francis has continuously offered to mediate to help bring about peace - even from the very beginning of Russia's war in Ukraine.
The late pontiff appealed for an end to the war at almost every public appearance, and his prayers for "martyred Ukraine" became a constant plea.
The late Pope's calls were, above all, calls for dialogue - for both sides to come together and discuss a way to put an end to the conflict.
Photos show President Zelensky deep in conversation with President Trump, the pair seated face-to-face in St. Peter's Basilica.
The last time Presidents Trump and Zelensky met in person at the White House, the discussion ended in a dispute. Earlier this month, President Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio threatened to "walk away" from efforts to broker a peace deal. Just two days ago, Russia carried out its deadliest air attack on Kyiv since the beginning of the 2025.
On Saturday, the discussion seemed far more productive. President Zelensky said it was a "very symbolic meeting, with the potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results."
Source: Vatican News and Official X account of President Volodymyr Zelensky

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