Republican Breaks Silence Over Trump-Zelensky Interaction

In a historic moment at the Vatican, President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy came together for peace talks, coinciding with the solemn funeral of Pope Francis.

Former Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) praised the meeting on Newsmax, calling it a powerful symbol of leadership and faith in troubled times.

Trump Shows Leadership on Holy Ground

Speaking with Newsmax anchors Bianca de la Garza and Ed Henry, Santorum reflected on the significance of the encounter.

“It says a lot about both President Trump and President Zelenskyy,” Santorum said. “They put aside past tensions, moved by the sacred moment at the Vatican — and neither of them are even Catholic.”

The setting of the Pope Francis funeral created a reminder that life’s struggles, even war, are only fleeting compared to the eternal timeline of faith and history.

A Reminder of Humanity’s Larger Purpose

“Standing among the ancient halls of Christendom, you realize how small today’s battles are,” Santorum said.

“You feel the obligation to keep the flame of civilization alive, just like generations before us.”

Images of President Trump and President Zelenskyy speaking in the Vatican’s holy setting deeply moved Santorum.

Faith, Leadership, and a Call for Renewal

“There’s something about standing on sacred ground during a sacred time,” he said. “It inspires you to seek a better path. That’s what we witnessed today — a moment of true hope.”

Santorum, who previously attended the funeral of Pope John Paul II, noted that the Catholic Church’s vitality is still very much alive, despite media claims about declining faith among younger people.

“You see the passion, the faith, the strength still there,” he said. “It gives you hope for America, for the world.”

A World in Need of Strong Leaders

Santorum stressed that today’s world is desperate for strong, faithful leadership — both spiritually and politically.

“There’s a hole in every heart that longs for God,” Santorum said. “And the Catholic Church must rise to meet this moment.”

He called on the cardinals gathering in Rome to choose a leader who can boldly guide a world hungry for truth, hope, and courage.