Ukrainian President Zelensky Meets with Italian President, Prime Minister, and Pope Francis in Rome.

Meeting with Italian President and Prime Minister in Rome

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the Vatican on the 13th (local time) and met with Pope Francis.

The Associated Press and CNN shared this information and reported that President Zelensky said it was a “great honor” to meet with Pope Francis.

President Zelensky said on social network service (SNS) that day, “Rome. Meet with President Sergio Mattarella, Prime Minister Giorza Meloni and Pope Francis. It is an important visit for the victory in Ukraine.”

According to the Vatican’s Office of Public Relations, Zelensky and Pope Francis held a meeting that lasted about 40 minutes. It is reported that they discussed the humanitarian and political situation in Ukraine affected by the ongoing war. “Pope Francis promised unceasing prayers,” the agency said. “Both agreed that humanitarian efforts to support people need to continue.”

After meeting with Pope Francis, President Zelensky tweeted: “Thank you for his personal attention to the tragedy of millions of Ukrainians. We must make every effort to return them (the Ukrainian children who were expelled) to their homes.” said.

“We have asked Pope Francis to condemn Russian crimes in Ukraine,” he said, “because there can be no equality between victims and perpetrators.” He added, “We also talked about the Ukrainian peace formula,” and “proposed (to Pope Francis) to join us.”

Previously, President Zelensky met with Pope Francis at the Vatican in 2020. After the invasion of Russia, they are known to have had several calls.

Prior to the meeting with Pope Francis, President Zelensky visited Italy and held talks with President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorza Meloni respectively in Rome.

President Matarella is said to have greeted Zelensky at the Quirinella Palace and emphasized, “We are completely on your side.”

In a press conference after meeting with President Zelensky, Prime Minister Melonie referred to Russia’s actions as “cruel and unjust aggression” and announced that he would provide “as much support as necessary” to Ukraine. “We are ready to support further strengthening the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) partnership with Ukraine,” he said. It will be a central theme.”

“Peace will come only when Russia ceases hostilities,” he said. “We are in favor of a diplomatic solution to the conflict. We support President Zelensky’s 10-point formula for peace.” “We are betting on Ukraine’s victory,” he said.

Lee Ye-ji, Donga.com reporter [email protected]