1 of 3 Zelenskyy and Pope Francis meet this Saturday (13) at the Vatican. Photo: Portal Zelenskyy and Pope Francis meet this Saturday (13th) at the Vatican. — Photo: Portal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi met Pope Francis this Saturday (13) in the Vatican.
It is the first time the two have met in person since war broke out in Ukraine last year.
The meeting with the Pope took place in the Sala Paulo Vl, an audience hall near St. Peter’s Basilica.
“Thank you for this visit,” said the Pope.
Zelenskyy meets Pope Francis in the Vatican
In late April, while flying back to the Italian capital after his visit to Hungary, Pope Francis told reporters that the Vatican was involved in a peacekeeping mission to end the war in Ukraine, but gave no further details on the commitment.
Neither Moscow nor Kiev commented on the Pope’s statements.
Previously, the Ukrainian had other engagements in Italy, including meetings with the country’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
This is also Zelenskyy’s first trip to Italy since the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022.
2 of 3 Police are increasing security in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, where the President of Ukraine is set to meet Pope Francis. Photo: AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia Police are tightening security in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, where Ukrainian President is to meet Pope Francis. — Photo: AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia
Before the end of his trip to the country, the President of Ukraine is also expected to take part in a popular talk show on Italian television.
Shortly after his arrival, Zelenskyy went to the Quirinal Palace, the official residence of Italian President Sergio Mattarella, where he held a halfhour meeting. The Ukrainian then met Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for more than an hour at the Palazzo Chigi, the seat of the Italian government.
Meloni visited Zelenskyy in Kiev in February. On that occasion, she ensured that Italy would continue to support Ukraine, despite the fact that some of her allies, most notably former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, have longstanding close ties with Moscow.
“‘We are on your side,'” said the prime minister and leader of the farright Brothers of Italy party.
3 of 3 Zelenskyy and the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shake hands in Rome. — Photo: Portal/Remo Casilli Zelenskyy and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shake hands in Rome. — Photo: Portal/Remo Casilli
Germany trip booked
Tomorrow Zelenskyy will also visit Germany for the first time since the Russian invasion.
The program for Sunday’s visit has not yet been announced, but according to the German press, the Ukrainian leader will meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and German President FrankWalter Steinmeier.
This Saturday, Germany announced a new plan for military aid to Ukraine worth US$2.95 billion (about R$14.5 billion). The package includes the supply of tanks, armored vehicles and air defense systems.
According to Der Spiegel magazine, this is the most important package Germany has announced for Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022.
“We all wish for an early end to this cruel war of Russia against the Ukrainian people, but unfortunately it is not in sight. Therefore, Germany will provide any assistance for as long as necessary,” Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said in a statement.