Despite precedent set by President George W. Bush in 2005, President Trump declined to meet with President Biden at Pope Francis’ funeral, stating such a meeting was not a priority. This contrasts sharply with Trump’s interactions with other world leaders, including a meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Trump’s disregard for Biden underscores their ongoing political antagonism, which has seen Trump repeatedly criticize his predecessor. Even the shared solemnity of the papal funeral did not bridge the significant divide between the two former presidents.
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During Pope Francis’s funeral in Vatican City, Presidents Trump and Zelensky held a productive, constructive private meeting. While specifics weren’t released, the discussion focused on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, with Zelensky expressing hope for a full ceasefire and lasting peace. The meeting, prompted by European officials hoping to bridge divides in peace negotiations, followed previous tense encounters between the two leaders. Trump’s proposed peace deal, which includes territorial concessions by Ukraine, contrasts sharply with Kyiv’s counter-proposal.
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Former US President Donald Trump disregarded the official dress code at Pope Francis’s funeral, wearing a blue suit instead of the required black attire, unlike other attendees such as President Biden who wore a darker blue suit. This choice drew significant criticism on social media, with many deeming it disrespectful. In contrast, Ukrainian President Zelensky, wearing military attire, and UK Prime Minister Starmer, in black, adhered to varying interpretations of the dress code. Trump’s early departure from the ceremony further fueled controversy.
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At Pope Francis’s funeral, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re’s eulogy implicitly rebuked Donald Trump’s border wall policy, echoing the late Pope’s strong opposition to such barriers. This posthumous criticism highlighted the long-standing tension between Trump and Francis, marked by public disagreements over immigration and other policies. Trump’s presence at the funeral, amidst intense lobbying from European leaders, led to a meeting with Zelensky, raising hopes for a breakthrough in the Ukraine conflict. The White House announced a planned follow-up meeting between Trump and Zelensky, further suggesting potential diplomatic progress.
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Former President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will travel to Vatican City to attend Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday. This will be the first time the Bidens have been in the same place as President Trump and his family since the 2020 Presidential Inauguration. The Bidens’ attendance follows previous meetings between President Biden and Pope Francis in 2021 and 2024. The funeral, expected to draw over 200,000 people, will take place in St. Peter’s Square.
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Despite his global prominence, Donald Trump’s seating at Pope Francis’ funeral may be further back than expected. Vatican protocol, gleaned from past papal funerals, suggests placement in at least the third row, behind numerous heads of state and monarchs. This contrasts sharply with Trump’s usual position of prominence. The seating arrangement will place foreign dignitaries in a block alongside the clergy. Official details from the Vatican remain pending.
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John Q. Hosedrinker