The brief but significant meeting between Trump and Zelensky took place in a marble-adorned room inside St. Peter's Basilica, with photos showing the two leaders seated across from each other in deep conversation.12 The encounter wasn't limited to just the two presidents-British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron also participated in part of the discussions, with the French presidency describing the talks as "positive."34

During the funeral service itself, the two leaders were separated by protocol, with seating arranged in French alphabetical order placing them about ten seats apart.24 Trump occupied a front-row position near the Pope's coffin alongside Melania Trump, while Zelensky was seated on the same row as Macron, separated by several dignitaries-a physical arrangement that symbolized the diplomatic complexities between the two nations as they navigate peace negotiations for the Russia-Ukraine conflict.2

The historic St. Peter's Basilica provided a solemn backdrop for the Trump-Zelensky meeting, with the Ukrainian presidency releasing photos of the two leaders leaning forward in deep discussion while Pope Francis's simple wooden coffin lay in front of the altar1. The Vatican setting was described as "very symbolic" by Zelensky, who later shared on social media that they discussed "protecting lives of our people, full and unconditional ceasefire, reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out"23.

Following the brief but consequential encounter, Zelensky was met with a burst of applause from the funeral attendees as he returned to the basilica2. The meeting occurred amid heightened diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine-Russia conflict, with Trump having claimed just a day earlier that the two nations were "very close to a deal" following talks between his envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin4. European officials had reportedly worked behind the scenes to arrange this Vatican meeting, hoping it would help break the deadlock in peace negotiations5.

The Vatican meeting represented a significant diplomatic reset following the February Oval Office confrontation where Trump accused Zelensky of "gambling with World War III" and Vance scolded the Ukrainian leader for being "disrespectful."1 That heated exchange had resulted in Zelensky reportedly being asked to leave the White House, with Trump later posting that Zelensky had "disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office."23 The aftermath saw temporary suspension of U.S. intelligence and military aid to Ukraine until Zelensky agreed to propose an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.4

In contrast to their previous encounter, both leaders characterized their Vatican discussion positively. Zelensky's spokesman called the meeting "constructive," while White House communications director Steven Cheung described it as "very productive."56 The diplomatic thaw came as Trump has been actively pursuing peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, with significant differences remaining over territorial issues-particularly regarding Crimea-and the conditions for a ceasefire.57 According to Ukrainian media, the two leaders were scheduled to meet again later that same day to continue their discussions.8