The spokeswoman for the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that it is possible to have a meeting with US President Donald Trump while he is in Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis, the Italian news agency ANSA reported, quoted by BTA.
"We are considering the possibility of a meeting, although nothing has been confirmed for the moment", said spokeswoman Paula Pigno.
She added that the main purpose of Von der Leyen's trip to Rome is indeed the funeral of Pope Francis, and not to discuss trade and tariffs.
"If other opportunities arise, on the sidelines, then of course they would be useful", added Pigno. Trump told reporters at the White House a few days ago that he would have many meetings while in Rome.
From patrols along the Tiber River to surveillance drones and snipers stationed around "St. Peter" Square, Rome is preparing to ensure security for the funeral of the pope and the huge crowd accompanying him, Reuters reported, BTA reported.
More than 200,000 people are expected to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, which will take place on Saturday in the vast Vatican square located in front of "St. Peter" Basilica, Rome's public transport company announced.
Among them will be dozens of world leaders, including US President Donald Trump and royals from Spain, Sweden and Belgium. "The most complicated part is the arrival of many high-ranking figures from all over the world who will gather in Rome to go to one place", Rome police chief Roberto Masucci told RTL radio.