Melania Trump reportedly issued a discreet command to her husband, Donald Trump, during Pope Francis' funeral, according to a lip-reading expert.

The US President, aged 78, was seated prominently near the casket with his wife, who celebrates her 55th birthday today (April 26). They were in the company of global dignitaries such as French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

A moment captured at the Vatican's St Peter's Square revealed Macron confiding in Finnish President Alexander Stubb. Following their whispered exchange, they shared a handshake and a smile for the cameras, with Macron seemingly urging him to maintain the grip.

Amid this, Melania, attentively watching the world leaders' interactions, leaned towards Trump to impart a brief but strategic piece of advice.

Her attempt to communicate discreetly, likely to avoid drawing attention, did not go unnoticed. Lip-reading specialist Jeremy Freeman interpreted her words as: "Donald, look left."

Upon receiving his wife's subtle cue, Trump engaged with the dignitaries to his left, including King Felipe VI of Spain, greeting him with "great to see you... great to see you".

He proceeded to greet Stubb and Macron, expressing his pleasure at seeing them with remarks like, "Great to see you Alex, good to see you, how are you doing?"

This filmed interaction may hint at Melania's influential presence, as the First Lady's keen observations enable her spouse to navigate the diplomatic scene with grace and attentiveness.

Earlier in the proceedings, as Trump settled into his seat, he greeted his wife Melania, a Slovenian native born in 1970 and raised Catholic, with an introduction to a guest: "This is Alexander, from Finland, good man."

Before the funeral service this morning at St. Peter's Basilica, Trump held a noteworthy encounter with Zelensky, epitomised by a now-iconic photo capturing the two heads of state seated opposite each other amidst the grandeur of the world's largest church.

This occasion marked Trump's maiden overseas tour since assuming office as the 47th president, and his first face-to-face with the Ukrainian leader following their tense White House rendezvous.

The White House branded the talk "very productive discussion" while Zelensky declared on social media platform X: "Good meeting. We discussed a lot one on one.

"Hoping for results on everything we covered. Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire.

"Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out. Very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results. "Thank you @POTUS (President of the United States)."