The pontiff was a staunch defender of refugees and the impoverished during his 12 years leading the Catholic Church, especially during his trips abroad.
After a long break, negotiations between the two sides on a free trade agreement resumed three years ago. The next round is planned for March in Brussels.
The leaders were greeted at the train station by Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian President’s Office, and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Russia has argued that arms supplies to Ukraine hinder the conflict’s settlement and directly involve NATO countries in it.
Ms Von der Leyen and European Council president António Costa are expected in Kyiv on Monday in a show of support on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The meeting brings together 1,500 participants from about 100 countries and follows two previous AI global summits in the UK in 2023 and South Korea in 2024.
Representatives from almost 200 states are attending the summit, known as COP29, in Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, which got underway on Monday.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has congratulated Moldova and its president, Maia Sandu, on the vote in favour of joining the EU despite accusations of election interference by Russia
This move comes after weeks of mounting scrutiny and criticisms aimed at Mr Starmer and his cabinet for their indulgence in luxuries provided by affluent benefactors.
