Pope Francis funeral updates: Zelensky to attend in first brush with Trump since bust-up
Reach Daily Express April 26, 2025 10:39 PM

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will be attending Pope Francis's funeral today, officials have confirmed, following a few confusing hours during which his attendance had been thrown into doubt. Italian newspaper La Repubblica quoted Mr Zelensky on Friday as saying he was "not sure he'll have the time", to travel to the Vatican. He added: "If I'll have the time I'll surely be in attendance. If I won't have the time, will be adequately represented. In attendance will be the foreign minister and the first lady. When it comes to me, it is important to be here. Tomorrow we will host several military meeting."

US President Donald Trump, Prince William and Prime Minister Keir Starmer are among the leaders in Rome on Saturday for the huge in St Peter's Square. The Vatican said 130 delegations are confirmed, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning sovereigns. Mr Zelensky's attendance will mark the first time since February he and Mr Trump will see each other. In late February, the Ukrainian leader travelled to the White House to sign a minerals deal with the US - but the event plunged into a shouting match, during which Mr Trump and US Vice President JD Vance accused the wartime leader of gambling with WW3 and not being thankful, respectively.

THIS IS A LIVE BLOG. FOLLOW OUR COVERAGE BELOW.

© Copyright @2025 LIDEA. All Rights Reserved.