Pope Francis met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Vatican on Friday, marking a significant step in Zelensky’s European tour as he seeks support for his “victory plan” to end the war with Russia.
The two leaders held a 35-minute private discussion in the Sala della Biblioteca, followed by the presentation of the Ukrainian delegation.
During their meeting, Pope Francis presented Zelensky with a bronze plaque symbolizing peace, inscribed with the words, “Peace is a fragile flower.”
In return, Zelensky gifted the pontiff an oil painting titled The Massacre of Bucha. The Story represents the atrocities committed in Bucha, a Kyiv suburb that became a symbol of civilian suffering following the Russian invasion in February 2022.
Afterward, Zelensky met with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States. The Vatican released a statement describing the talks as focused on the war, the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, and potential avenues for achieving a just and stable peace. The discussions also covered religious life in the country.
This meeting followed a series of contacts between Francis and Zelensky, including visits, letters, and phone calls since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
However, in March, the pope was criticized by Ukrainian officials for comments urging “the courage of the white flag,” which many interpreted as a call for surrender.
Pope Francis has repeatedly advocated for an end to the war, focusing on humanitarian efforts such as prisoner exchanges and finding diplomatic solutions.
As part of these efforts, Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi was sent as a special envoy to mediate between the conflicting parties. His mission includes facilitating the return of Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia and encouraging prisoner exchanges.
President Zelensky’s European tour has involved city-hopping to gain support for his plan, which he has yet to reveal fully. However, he has stated that it aims to create the conditions for a “just end” to the conflict.
The tour follows a disrupted summit with U.S. President Joe Biden, who could not attend due to Hurricane Milton. On Thursday, Zelensky met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni. He is scheduled to meet German Chancellor Olaf Scholz later on Friday.
The urgency of Zelensky’s diplomatic mission is underscored by the situation on the ground in Ukraine, where Russian forces have recently gained control of key areas in the eastern Donetsk region, including the town of Vuhledar and parts of Toretsk.
Uk raine’s army is under intense pressure. Zelensky is seeking increased military and humanitarian support from European allies, especially as U.S. support could be uncertain with the upcoming presidential election.
