Trump and Zelensky discuss peace plans in the St. Peter Basilica

By Joseph Tulloch

From the beginning of the Russian war in Ukraine, Pope Francis continuously offered to convey to create peace. He appealed to almost every public appearance at the end of the war, and his prayers for “martyrated Ukraine” became a familiar chorus.

The deceased Pope's calls were primarily the dialogue for demands – for important players who come together and find a way to put an end to the conflict.

On Saturday, shortly before Pope Francis' funeral fair, such a dialogue between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took place. Photos showed that the two presidents are talking to face in the St. Peter Basilica.

A spokesman for the White House called the discussion “very productive”. Meanwhile, President Zelensky said that it was a “good meeting” and added that the couple had “discussed a lot of one to one”.

“Hoping for results to everything we treated,” wrote President Zelensky on social media. “Protection of the life of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and permanent peace that will prevent another war from breaking out.”

Recently, this ceasefire was less and less likely. The last time the president Trump and Zelensky met personally, the discussion turned into a violent verbal fight. At the beginning of this month, President Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio threatened to “go away” the efforts to convey a peace agreement. And two days ago, Russia has been killed in Kyiv since the beginning of the year.

The discussion seemed far more productive on Saturday. President Zelensky said it was a “very symbolic meeting with the potential to become historical when we achieve common results”.

If these results manifest themselves – if the “just peace” is reached so often by the late Pope, it could only be Francis' first miracle.