Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently embarked on a significant visit to Rome, Italy, where he engaged in crucial discussions with government officials and Pope Francis. This visit marked Zelensky’s first trip to Italy since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February of the previous year.
During his stay in Rome, President Zelensky had separate meetings scheduled with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. These meetings were aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and garnering continued support for Ukraine from the Italian government.
However, the highlight of President Zelensky’s visit was his meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican. This meeting held great significance, as the Pope has been actively engaged in promoting peace and advocating for an end to the war between Ukraine and Russia. The Pope had previously met President Zelensky at the Vatican in 2020 and maintained regular phone conversations since the conflict began.
Pope Francis, initially adopting a balanced approach, attempted to mediate between the warring parties. However, as Russia’s actions persisted, the Pope increasingly condemned the aggression, likening it to severe crimes committed against Ukraine during the Soviet era.
In April, the Pope made an intriguing comment during his return flight from Hungary, stating that the Vatican was involved in a peace mission to end the war. Although he did not divulge specific details at the time, it was revealed that the Vatican was actively working on a solution. The Pope’s comment surprised both Moscow and Kyiv, with both expressing curiosity about the Vatican’s involvement.
To further advance peace efforts, Pope Francis also met with Russia’s outgoing ambassador to the Vatican, Alexander Avdeyev, prompting speculation that the Vatican may have provided a letter to be delivered to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
President Zelensky and his team have been tirelessly promoting a 10-point peace plan, emphasizing the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, the withdrawal of Russian troops, and the cessation of hostilities. Zelensky has reiterated that the plan is not open to negotiations, as he seeks to bring an end to the conflict that has plagued his nation.
The Pope has expressed his willingness to contribute “all that is humanly possible” in aiding the repatriation of Ukrainian children who were forcibly taken to Russia or Russian-occupied Crimea since the start of the conflict. The Ukrainian government estimates that nearly 19,500 children have been affected by what they condemn as illegal deportations.
As President Zelensky’s visit to Rome concludes, the discussions held with Pope Francis and Italian officials have served to reinforce international support for Ukraine and its quest for peace. Although the exact nature of the Vatican’s peace mission remains undisclosed, the ongoing efforts signal hope for a potential breakthrough in resolving the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
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