A poignant moment unfolds as world leaders gather to pay their final respects to Pope Francis at the Vatican, with President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron's firm handshake capturing attention.
According to the New York Post, a forensic lip reader has decoded the interactions between world leaders during the sign of peace portion of the funeral mass, revealing that while Trump and Macron's handshake was notably firm, no words were exchanged between the two leaders.
First Lady Melania Trump played a crucial role in guiding the President's interactions during the ceremony. Forensic lip reader Jeremy Freeman observed Melania whispering, "Donald, look left" to the President, prompting him to engage with other world leaders present at the service.
President Trump actively engaged with several world leaders during the sign of peace. He greeted Estonian President Alar Karis and Spain's King Felipe VI with warm acknowledgments, saying "Great to see you" to both leaders.
The President's interaction with Finnish President Alexander Stubb was particularly cordial. Freeman noted Trump saying, "Great to see you, Alex, good to see you. How are you doing?" to the Finnish leader, even while still completing his handshake with Macron.
Prior to the funeral service, Trump held a significant 15-minute conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky inside St. Peter's Basilica. This marked their first meeting since a heated exchange in the Oval Office two months ago.
The Trump family secured front-row positions during the funeral service despite earlier speculation about seating arrangements according to Vatican protocol. The President wore a navy suit and tie, while Melania chose a black lace ensemble appropriate for the occasion.
Throughout the service, Trump showed concern for his wife's comfort. Freeman decoded a tender moment when Trump asked Melania "You okay?" to which she responded with a subtle nod.
The couple also shared a brief exchange about the proceedings, with Trump telling his wife, "It was a good discussion," though the specific conversation referenced remains unclear.
The funeral service drew more than 250,000 mourners to Vatican City, including delegations from 164 countries. This massive gathering highlighted Pope Francis's global influence and the international community's desire to honor his legacy.
Jeremy Freeman, the London-based lip reader who provided these insights, brings considerable expertise to his analysis. Born deaf, he has served as a University College London-certified expert witness for various entities, including police, journalists, and legal proceedings, for 16 years.
Pope Francis's funeral marked the end of an era for the Catholic Church following his passing at age 88 on Easter Monday at his Vatican residence. The three-hour Catholic mass brought together an unprecedented gathering of world leaders and faithful followers.
The interaction between Trump and Macron, though wordless, exemplified the complex dynamics of international relations even during moments of shared mourning. Their firm handshake, observed by millions worldwide, occurred during a solemn ceremony that united global leaders in paying respects to the deceased pontiff at St. Peter's Basilica.
