In a rare departure from Vatican tradition, US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy secured front-row seats at Pope Francis’ funeral, surprising many in diplomatic circles. Typically, papal funerals follow a strict protocol based on diplomatic hierarchy and the French alphabet—the historic language of international diplomacy.
According to custom, Trump, representing the “États-Unis” (United States), rightfully received a front-row seat based on the alphabetical order. Leaders such as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, by contrast, were seated farther back.
At the ceremony, Trump and First Lady Melania occupied seats between Estonia’s President Alar Karis and Spain’s King Felipe VI, placing them near the pulpit.
Zelenskyy’s Symbolic Presence
However, it was President Zelenskyy’s seating that drew the most attention. Despite earlier reports suggesting he might skip the funeral due to urgent wartime matters, Zelenskyy made a last-minute decision to attend, joining his wife Olena Zelenska in St. Peter’s Square.
Zelenskyy’s unexpected appearance, amid growing diplomatic efforts for peace with Russia, carried a deep symbolic message—hope amid sorrow. His arrival received warm applause from those gathered at the Vatican.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni later clarified that the Ukrainian couple had taken “a vacant place,” subtly acknowledging that traditional seating rules were adjusted to accommodate them.
Trump and Zelenskyy’s Brief Exchange
During the funeral proceedings, Trump and Zelenskyy also held their first in-person conversation since their tense Oval Office meeting in February. Both leaders later described the interaction as “productive.”
The Passing of Pope Francis
Pope Francis, the cherished Argentinian pontiff, was laid to rest on Saturday at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. He passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, following a stroke and heart failure, as confirmed by Vatican physician Dr. Andrea Arcangeli.
The official death certificate, reported by Reuters, revealed that the Pope had slipped into a coma before his passing. His burial marked the culmination of a global week of mourning among Catholics.
