Spontaneous applause broke out in St. Peter’s Square as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived for the funeral of Pope Francis. He was among around 50 world leaders and 10 reigning monarchs attending the ceremony in Vatican City.
Zelenskyy arrived alongside other world leaders taking their seats before the service began. When his image appeared on large screens in the square, the crowd responded with clapping.
U.S. President Donald Trump is also in attendance, as his administration continues efforts to negotiate a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. Zelenskyy and Trump met briefly before the funeral, according to the Ukrainian president’s spokesperson, Sergiy Nykyforov, who confirmed the meeting without giving details.
Former U.S. President Joe Biden, the only Catholic president since John F. Kennedy, is also present with First Lady Jill Biden.
Ireland is represented by President Michael D. Higgins, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, and Tánaiste Simon Harris. Other European leaders include Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is attending on behalf of the UK, along with Prince William, representing King Charles III, head of the Church of England.
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