A huge wave of applause rang out as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived for the Pope’s funeral in St Peter’s Square today Saturday.
President Zelensky was among dozens of leaders and dignitaries – including Donald Trump with his wife Melania and Prince William – who joined 40,000 mourners in St Peter’s Square.
Sir Keir Starmer, the Prince of Wales and Donald Trump were also present for the funeral mass in St Peter’s Square.
The crowd of assembled world leaders could be heard clapping as the Ukrainian President left St Peter’s Basilica, where he had paid his respects in front of the pontiff’s coffin ahead of the funeral ceremony.
US President Donald Trump and Zelensky met before the funeral and are expected to do so again afterwards, according to Ukrainian officials.
White House communications director Steven Cheung said the pair “had a very productive discussion” when they met.
Sir Keir Starmer and the Prince of Wales – who is attending on behalf of the King – did the same before joining the congregation in St Peter’s Square, estimated by the Vatican at 200,000, for the open-air funeral mass.
It is the first time William has represented the monarch at an international funeral.
The Prime Minister was joined in the sunshine of St Peter’s Square by his wife Victoria, Lady Starmer, and the Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
Mr Lammy, who is effectively the UK’s top diplomat, is expected to travel on to the Persian Gulf for talks in Oman and Qatar following the funeral.
Irish President Michael D Higgins was joined by Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris in paying respects to the Pope inside St Peter’s.
The funeral began shortly after world leaders had taken their seats in the square.
