The Pope's Sendoff: A World Leaders' Gathering and More
Funeral of Pope Francis Brings Mass Gathering and Culminates in Burial Ceremony - Major Events at the Funeral Service for Pope Francis
Dive into the three-course spectacle that was the Pope Francis funeral in Rome, where global politics took center stage alongside the mourning proceedings. Here are some intriguing highlights from this historic day:
The Big Meeting: Trump and Zelensky Steal the Show
Without a doubt, the buzz of the day surrounded the private chat between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, happening miles away from the funeral. This marked their first encounter since the heated White House spat in late February. The agenda? Ending the Russian invasion of Ukraine and sealing some concessions from Zelensky, such as reconsidering the Crimean Peninsula, seized by Russia in 2014, or territories in eastern Ukraine under Moscow's control [1][2]. So far, Zelensky has flatly refused these proposals.
Notably, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and Trump shared a brief conversation on the fringes of the Pope Francis memorial service. This was confirmed by Scholz's camp to the German Press Agency [2]. The dialogue took place within St. Peter's Basilica, but additional details were not immediately available. This marked their first personal meeting since Trump took office in January.
Snap Happy: Söder's Selfie Stirrers
Bavaria's Minister-President Markus Söder generated a bit of a stir with a friendly selfie featuring Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier before the funeral for Pope Francis. The post read, "Just landed in Rome: Now it's off on a caravan with Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to the Vatican for Pope Francis' funeral" [3].
FDP politician Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann commented, "Mourning travel selfies seem rather undignified. The Pope's funeral is not a beer festival." Shortly after arriving in Rome, Söder also generated further attention with funeral photo-ops.
Royal Neighbors: William and Scholz
Acting Chancellor Scholz shared a close proximity with a most prestigious mourning companion—Britain's Prince William. The two sat together during the funeral service. Princess Kate was not present. Neither was Scholz's rumored successor as Federal Chancellor, CDU leader Friedrich Merz [3].
A Colorful Apparel Affair
Fashion choices were another topic of conversation during the funeral. Zelensky donned a black jacket with breast pockets over a black shirt. Given the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Zelensky has often been seen in military green, and he typically wears black attire at mourning events in his own country [4]. In contrast, US President Donald Trump opted for a blue suit and tie [4]. Previously, Zelensky's fashion choices, particularly during his meeting with Trump in the White House, sparked criticism for being too casual [4].
One Final Glimpse
Outside the mourning procession, various quirky moments unfolded. A photo shows Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier gazing at the coffin, while his wife Elke Büdenbender bowed. Bishop Joan Enric Vives i Sicília, who is also Co-prince of Andorra, was seen nearby, holding his phone.
After the funeral service, spectators had one final chance to bid farewell. The Popemobile bearing Pope Francis' coffin paraded through the city, with many believers and visitors lining the streets and cheering. Onlookers spotted notable landmarks along the way, such as the Colosseum, where the burial took place [5].
- Pope Francis
- Funeral
- Volodymyr Zelensky
- Donald Trump
- Olaf Scholz
- Markus Söder
- Frank-Walter Steinmeier
- Keir Starmer
- Prince William
- The European Union has a responsibility to ensure that the EU's foreign policy is fully implemented, as the Pope Francis funeral in Rome presented an opportune time for individual leaders, such as Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky, to discuss ending the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
- The burial ceremony for Pope Francis was not devoid of political interactions; Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, had a private conversation with Trump during the memorial service within St. Peter's Basilica.
- The funeral highlights also included a selfie incident involving Markus Söder, the Minister-President of Bavaria, who ignited discussion with a friendly photo taken with Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier before the funeral.
- Meanwhile, Prince William and Olaf Scholz were seated together during the funeral service, while fashion choices made by leaders such as Trump and Zelensky received attention from onlookers.
