The Photo that Dominated the Pope’s Funeral

The Exiled and the Exile, Trump and Zelensky, Seated Across from Each Other, Speaking Calmly, Alone

A funeral service was held at the Vatican for the spiritual leader of Catholics, Vatican Head of State Pope Francis.

Before the funeral ceremony, U.S. President Donald Trump met privately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he had previously ousted from the White House. The two leaders sat closely together on two chairs placed directly across from each other, with their knees nearly touching.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung stated that the two leaders "met privately and had a very productive discussion." He added, "More details about the meeting will be released in the coming days."

As efforts for a permanent ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine continue, the meeting between the two leaders at the Vatican, and the potential outcomes of their conversation, have drawn considerable attention.