President Donald Trump confirmed he will attend the state funeral of Pope Francis in Rome, stating he plans to meet “a lot of the foreign leaders.” Speaking Wednesday, Trump said, “Trade deals are going very well,” and referenced ongoing negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine, and Iran. The funeral, set for Saturday at St. Peter’s Square, is expected to draw dozens of world leaders, making it a key moment for informal diplomacy.
.@POTUS: We're going to Rome, where we'll be attending the funeral of Pope Francis... we're going to meet with a lot of the foreign leaders. They want to meet. Trade deals are going very well. I think Russia and Ukraine are coming along, and Iran I think is going very well. pic.twitter.com/e1U7C3YOv6
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 25, 2025
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is reportedly eager to speak with Trump on the sidelines, though no formal meeting is scheduled. Her office indicated that “any opportunity to speak with key world leaders will be seized.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also expressed hope for a conversation with Trump, as U.S. talks with Russia continue behind the scenes.
