Trump and Zelensky discuss peace plans in St. Peter's Basilica
By Joseph Tulloch
From the very beginning of Russia's war in Ukraine, Pope Francis continuously offered to mediate to help bring about peace. He appealed for an end to the war at almost every public appearance, and his prayers for "martyred Ukraine" became a familiar refrain.
The late Pope's calls were, above all, calls for dialogue - for key players to come together and find a way to put an end to the conflict.
On Saturday, just before Pope Francis' funeral Mass, such a dialogue took place between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Photos showed the two Presidents seated face-to-face in St. Peter's Basilica, deep in conversation.
A spokesperson for the White House called the discussion "very productive". President Zelensky, meanwhile, said that it had been a "good meeting," adding that the pair had "discussed a lot one on one."
"Hoping for results on everything we covered," President Zelensky wrote on social media. "Protecting the lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out."
Recently, that ceasefire had appeared less and less likely. The last time Presidents Trump and Zelensky met in person, the discussion devolved into an acrimonious verbal brawl. Earlier this month, President Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio threatened to "walk away" from efforts to broker a peace deal. And just two days ago, Russia carried out its deadliest air attack on Kyiv since the beginning of the year.
On Saturday, the discussion seemed far more productive. President Zelensky said it was a "very symbolic meeting, with the potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results."
If those results do manifest themselves - if the 'just peace' so often spoken of by the late Pope is achieved - it might just be Francis' first miracle.
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