Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was warmly received as he arrived at St Peter’s Square for the funeral of Pope Francis.
Heads of state from around the world gathered for the solemn ceremony, but it was Zelensky’s entrance that drew a burst of supportive applause from the waiting crowd.
Zelensky, accompanied by his security team, made his way through the square where thousands had gathered for the mass. Despite being Jewish, he paused respectfully before the late pontiff’s coffin, paying tribute on behalf of Ukraine, a nation still enduring the hardships of war.
Before the funeral, Zelensky reportedly met with US President Donald Trump. Ukrainian officials indicated that further discussions between the two leaders were expected after the service. White House communications director Steven Cheung described the earlier meeting as highly productive, signaling ongoing efforts to address the conflict in Ukraine.
Earlier in the day, President Trump also met Pope Francis at the Vatican, marking a much-anticipated face-to-face encounter between two figures who have often found themselves at odds over global issues. Trump, however, was assigned a less prominent seat at the funeral, an arrangement that drew attention after he had previously criticized seating plans at Queen Elizabeth’s memorial.
Several other key figures, including Sir Keir Starmer and the Prince of Wales, attended the funeral, pausing by the coffin to pay their respects. Ireland’s President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, and Tánaiste Simon Harris were also present among the many dignitaries.
The Vatican estimated that around 200,000 mourners attended the open-air mass. The massive turnout reflected the global impact Pope Francis had during his papacy, bringing together leaders and citizens from all corners of the world.
Back in Ukraine, the conflict with Russia continues despite diplomatic efforts. Tensions remain high, fueled by recent comments from President Trump regarding Crimea and fresh missile attacks from Russia. Many international leaders, including Lithuania’s president, have voiced concerns about the possibility of further Russian aggression.
Though Ukraine is mainly Eastern Orthodox, it also has a large Catholic community, especially followers of the Greek Catholic tradition. Around ten percent of Ukrainians identify as Catholic, a faith that has long maintained a strong presence through churches, schools, and missions across the country.
Seating arrangements at the funeral followed diplomatic tradition, with Argentina and Italy, the Pope’s birth and residence countries, placed at the front. Other nations were seated alphabetically according to the French language, maintaining diplomatic customs recognized worldwide.
As leaders took their seats and the service began, the spirit of unity and mourning filled St Peter’s Square, a moment that transcended political divisions and brought a shared sense of loss and reflection.