Saturday, 26 April 2025

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Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband, 

Trump and Zelensky Meet at Pope Francis’ Funeral Amid Ceasefire Talks 

On April 26, 2025, the funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City became an unexpected stage for high-stakes diplomacy. Among the 400,000 mourners and over 50 world leaders in attendance, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a private 15-minute meeting focused on the ongoing war in Ukraine and the prospects for a ceasefire.  

A Somber Setting for Diplomatic Dialogue

The funeral honored Pope Francis, who passed away at age 88 after a 12-year papacy marked by advocacy for peace, environmental justice, and outreach to marginalized communities. Dignitaries such as French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Prince William joined the ceremony, reflecting the Pope’s global influence.  

Amid the solemn proceedings, Trump and Zelenskyy’s impromptu discussion underscored the intertwining of spiritual remembrance and geopolitical urgency. Their conversation, described by the White House as “very productive,” centered on achieving a full and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. Zelenskyy later shared on social media that the meeting aimed to pave the way for lasting peace.  

Divergent Views and Ongoing Efforts

Despite the constructive tone, underlying tensions remained. Trump has previously suggested that Crimea should remain with Russia, a stance firmly rejected by Zelenskyy. Additionally, Trump expressed skepticism about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to end the conflict, citing recent missile attacks on Ukrainian civilians. He hinted at the possibility of implementing banking or secondary sanctions if necessary.  

While Trump departed Rome shortly after the funeral, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff continued diplomatic efforts, holding separate talks with Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev to further negotiations.  

Pope Francis’ Legacy and the Path Forward

Pope Francis was laid to rest in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, diverging from traditional papal burial practices. His tomb, marked simply as “Franciscus,” reflects his humble spirit and commitment to the marginalized.  

As the Vatican prepares for a conclave to elect his successor, the intersection of global mourning and diplomatic maneuvering at his funeral highlights the enduring influence of spiritual leadership on international affairs.

The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy at the funeral signifies a potential step toward resolving the conflict in Ukraine, even as challenges persist. The coming weeks will reveal whether these discussions can translate into tangible progress toward peace. 

Attached is a news article regarding trump and Zelenskyy meet at the pope funeral 

https://news.sky.com/story/amp/trump-met-with-zelenskyy-ahead-of-popes-funeral-13355783

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 


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Smileband News

Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband,  Trump and Zelensky Meet at Pope Francis’ Funeral Amid Ceasefire Talks  On April 26, 2025, th...