Global Leaders Attend Pope Francis' Funeral Amid Tensions

The funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican drew a large gathering of world leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, marking their first meeting since a tense Oval Office encounter earlier this year. Despite speculation, the two leaders were not seated next to each other, following Vatican protocol that arranges dignitaries by alphabetical order. Trump and Zelensky did, however, hold a brief and reportedly productive discussion focused on the future of Ukraine, with further details promised by the White House. The event was also notable for the differing public receptions of the two leaders, with Zelensky receiving a more enthusiastic welcome than Trump. Observers noted the body language of both presidents during the service, interpreting their postures as signals of defiance and strength amid ongoing international pressure for Ukraine to accept a peace deal involving territorial concessions to Russia. The funeral was attended by numerous other global figures and took place under heightened security, reflecting the significance of the occasion.