Trump Attends Pope Francis’ Funeral and Holds Tense Meeting with Zelenskyy
In a significant diplomatic moment, former President Donald Trump attended the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican alongside his wife Melania and leaders from over 150 countries. Prior to the ceremony, Trump engaged in a face-to-face meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking their first interaction since a tumultuous exchange in February.
The two leaders, joined briefly by French President Emmanuel Macron, discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump later expressed his views on social media, stating, “there is no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas.” He suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin might not intend to end the conflict, urging a different approach to negotiations.
As they emerged for the funeral, the atmosphere contrasted sharply: while Trump faced a subdued reception, Zelenskyy was met with cheers from the crowd. During the homily, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re emphasized a message of unity, referencing the late pontiff’s calls to “build bridges, not walls,” touching upon the tensions between Trump and Francis regarding immigration policies.
Following the event, Trump returned home on Air Force One, where he encountered concerning polling data indicating his historically low approval ratings as he nears 100 days into his current term. A recent Associated Press poll revealed dwindling support even among Republicans, with many expressing alarm over his focus and handling of key issues.
The day was underscored by other pressing matters, including internal conflicts within Trump’s administration and controversial deportation cases, reflecting ongoing tensions in U.S. immigration policies. As the political landscape shifts, both Trump and Zelenskyy’s meeting could have lasting implications for diplomatic relations and future negotiations regarding Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
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