On April 26, 2025, the world came together in Rome to bid farewell to Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88. Leaders from across the globe gathered to pay their respects at the Vatican, including President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. As they entered the service, however, the differences in how they were greeted became a topic of intense public discussion.
A Visible Contrast: Applause vs. Silence
While the funeral was a somber occasion, the arrival of the world leaders did not go unnoticed. Particularly notable was the contrast in reception between President Trump and President Zelenskyy. As the leaders made their way to the service, a spontaneous and enthusiastic round of applause erupted as Zelenskyy entered, much to the crowd’s apparent admiration. Videos shared on social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), highlighted the enthusiasm with which Zelenskyy was greeted by those present.
“While Zelenskyy was greeted with a spontaneous round of applause, Trump, in his blue suit at Pope Francis’s funeral, received nothing,” read a widely shared caption. The difference in reception between the two leaders did not go unnoticed by the public, sparking debate in the comments section. One user remarked, “That’s a lot of applause honoring #Zelenskyy – it isn’t a mere handful,” while another added, “What a lovely and honest thing to see, amidst all the heartache and shouting, that Europe values this man. Zelenskyy, a true leader.”
The applause for Zelenskyy was viewed by many as a reflection of his leadership and the respect he has garnered globally, especially following Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia. In contrast, the absence of applause for Trump led some to interpret it as a sign of disapproval, or at the very least, indifference.
Zelenskyy received a huge round of applause upon arriving at the funeral (Antonio Masiello/Getty Images)
Trump’s Fashion Choice Sparks Controversy
In addition to the reception, Trump’s choice of attire at the funeral also raised eyebrows. Traditionally, funeral protocol dictates that attendees wear black as a sign of mourning, especially for Catholic services such as the papal funeral. However, President Trump opted for a striking blue suit, a decision that quickly became the subject of online discussions.
Many took issue with Trump’s departure from the expected funeral dress code, calling it “disrespectful” and inappropriate for such a solemn occasion. Critics argued that wearing blue instead of black appeared tone-deaf and diminished the gravity of the event. On the other hand, Melania Trump, the First Lady, adhered to traditional Catholic mourning attire, wearing a black blazer, pencil skirt, and a dark lace veil, which reflected both her personal faith and respect for the occasion.
While fashion choices often hold symbolic significance at high-profile events, Trump’s deviation from tradition highlighted the ongoing divide in perceptions of his public persona. For many, his decision to wear a blue suit seemed to underscore his tendency to defy expectations, whether intentional or not.
The First Meeting Between Zelenskyy and Trump Since the White House Showdown
Another significant aspect of the funeral was the brief, but significant, interaction between Presidents Zelenskyy and Trump. The two leaders had not met face-to-face since a tense exchange earlier in the year at the White House. At that time, Trump publicly criticized Zelenskyy’s choice of military attire, suggesting it lacked the respect due to the office of the President of the United States. This criticism was met with backlash, as many pointed out that Zelenskyy’s wartime leadership required a more practical approach to dress, given the context of his role as President during an active conflict with Russia.
At the funeral, the two leaders were seen engaging in a private conversation. Sources reported that the meeting was “very productive” and that they discussed ongoing diplomatic matters, including the war in Ukraine. This marked the first time the two had met since the contentious White House encounter, and their brief exchange at the funeral was seen as a potential thaw in their strained relationship.
Despite their previous public differences, the funeral served as an opportunity for the two leaders to meet on neutral ground. Trump had earlier suggested that a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia was “very close” and urged Zelenskyy to “get it done.” In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, “We are very close to a deal, but the man with ‘no cards to play’ should now, finally, GET IT DONE.” He continued, “I look forward to being able to help Ukraine, and Russia, get out of this complete and total MESS, that would have never started if I were president!”
Zelenskyy, on the other hand, received a warm and enthusiastic reception from those present at the funeral, which reflected the global admiration he has garnered for his handling of Ukraine’s war effort. The applause he received was not only a tribute to his leadership but also a recognition of the Ukrainian people’s resilience in the face of ongoing adversity.
Trump’s Comments on Pope Francis and Funeral Diplomacy
Before leaving Washington for the funeral, President Trump offered his thoughts on Pope Francis, describing him as “a good man” who “loved the world.” Trump praised the late pontiff’s inclusive approach to global issues, saying he had been “a fantastic kind of a guy.” However, Trump’s comments about the funeral revealed another layer of his diplomatic approach.
Trump noted that the funeral would also provide him with an opportunity to meet with other world leaders. “It’s going to be very interesting. We’re going to meet with a lot of the foreign leaders, they want to meet,” he told MSNBC before his departure. He continued, “Trade deals are going very well. I think Russia and Ukraine, I think they are coming along, we hope, very fragile. And Iran I think is going very well. We’ll see what happens. We’re working on plenty of things.”
While Trump’s comments on Pope Francis were respectful, they also underscored his tendency to weave geopolitical issues and trade negotiations into discussions about international events. The contrast between his comments about the late pope and the more politically focused statements about his international dealings highlighted the different approaches Trump and Zelenskyy take toward diplomacy.
The Significance of Funeral Diplomacy
The event at Pope Francis’s funeral was a prime example of what is known as “funeral diplomacy”—the informal diplomatic interactions that take place when world leaders gather for solemn occasions. These events often create unique opportunities for leaders to engage in private conversations and make subtle gestures of respect or collaboration, even if their countries have tense or adversarial relationships.
Funeral diplomacy, while marked by the gravity of the occasion, can sometimes soften the edges of political conflicts, offering a rare chance for leaders to engage in direct dialogue. For Trump and Zelenskyy, the funeral provided a moment of respite from their ongoing political tensions, even if only for a brief exchange.
The contrasts in how Trump and Zelenskyy were received by the public—Zelenskyy with applause, Trump with silence—serve as a reminder of the complex nature of international diplomacy and public opinion. While some may have viewed Zelenskyy’s reception as a sign of his leadership and the respect he commands, Trump’s muted reception highlighted the polarizing nature of his public image, both in the United States and abroad.
A Moment of Reflection
As the funeral drew to a close and world leaders returned to their respective countries, the differences in how Trump and Zelenskyy were treated continued to spark discussion. Some saw Zelenskyy’s enthusiastic reception as a recognition of his strength and resolve in leading Ukraine through an unprecedented crisis. Others saw Trump’s attire and lack of applause as a reflection of his political persona, which often courts controversy even in the most solemn of moments.
Ultimately, the funeral for Pope Francis was a time for reflection, mourning, and remembrance. Yet, the interactions between the world leaders—particularly the contrasting receptions of Trump and Zelenskyy—served as a reminder of the personal and political dynamics that continue to shape international relations in an increasingly complex and polarized world. As global events continue to unfold, these moments of diplomatic engagement will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of global leadership.
