The ancient stones of Rome, accustomed to the weight of history, bore witness to another significant convergence this week. Under skies that have watched empires rise and fall, St. Peter’s Square prepared for a solemn occasion drawing figures from across the contemporary global stage. Former U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in the Italian capital, joining a somber assembly of international dignitaries gathered for the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday, a moment marking the end of a papacy that often found itself intersecting, sometimes clashing, with the political currents of the time.
The presence of Mr. Trump, making his first overseas journey of his second term, added a distinct layer to the proceedings. He was not alone in representing the United States; his predecessor, Joe Biden, along with First Lady Jill Biden, also made the journey, signifying a moment of unified American respect, if not political alignment. A significant bipartisan delegation of lawmakers from both the House and Senate further underscored the event’s importance stateside, featuring prominent names like Steve Scalise, Susan Collins, and Nancy Pelosi among others.
Yet, the gathering was far larger than just the American contingent. Dozens of heads of state and government filled the square, creating an environment ripe for the kind of impromptu diplomacy that often occurs on the sidelines of major world events. Among those present were figures central to current geopolitical tensions: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron. Their presence highlighted the complex web of relationships playing out even during a moment dedicated to mourning. Conspicuously absent, however, was Russian President Vladimir Putin, a detail noted by observers tracking the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Mr. Trump himself acknowledged the possibility of interacting with the Ukrainian leader, telling reporters it was “possible” he would meet with President Zelensky during his time in Rome. Such an encounter, however brief, would inevitably attract significant attention, given the ongoing war and international efforts towards resolution. This potential for dialogue existed against the backdrop of Trump’s own complex history with Pope Francis. The two men, described as ideological adversaries, particularly concerning immigration policies, also shared moments where, reportedly, Trump was charmed by the Pontiff’s authenticity. Reflecting briefly before his departure, Trump referred to Francis as a “Good man” who “loved the world,” recalling two previous meetings and deeming him a “fantastic kind of a guy.”
The funeral itself offered a temporary pause, a shared space for reflection led by spiritual rites. Yet, the very gathering of so many powerful world leaders served as a quiet reminder of the relentless pace of global affairs. Even in shared grief for a figure who championed dialogue and peace, the undercurrents of political strategy and international relations remained palpable beneath the solemnity. Rome, for a day, became the centre not just of Catholic mourning, but of the intricate, ongoing dance of world diplomacy.
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Trump in Rome to join dozens of world leaders at funeral for Pope Francis
