Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski met this Saturday in Rome with Pope Francis, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Francis and Zelensky met for about 40 minutes in a room in the Vatican. “The topics of the conversation were about the humanitarian and political situation in Ukraine caused by the ongoing war,” according to spokesman Matteo Bruni.
The meeting took place in a context of negotiations by the Holy See to achieve a rapprochement between Ukraine and Russia, and after the announcement that the Vatican will mediate to achieve the restitution of thousands of Ukrainian children deported from the country by the Russians.
The Italian press has alluded to a negotiating mission of two cardinals sent to Ukraine and Russia, including Parolin and the secretary for relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, or even the prefect for the Eastern Churches, Claudio Gugerotti.
The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolínsaid that the mission to stop the war in Ukraine announced by the Pope Francisco “it will go ahead” and revealed that “there are news”, but that they are of a “reserved nature”.
“I’m willing to do whatever needs to be done. [por la paz en Ucrania]. Also, there is now a quest going on, but it’s not public yet. Let’s see how… When it’s public, I’ll tell it,” the pope said on the return flight from his recent trip to Budapest.
On the other hand, at noon Zelensky met for about half an hour with President Mattarella in the Quirinale Palace.
«Italy was and is on the right side, on the side of truth in this war. We are moving in the direction of victory. Victory means peace for our country,” Zelenski said after the meeting with the president.
After the meeting with the president, Zelenski had a “long and prolific” meeting with Meloni, as the premier described it in statements to the press.
“Italy has a very clear position in favor of Ukraine,” added the premier. Zelensky, recorded her gratitude “for supporting Ukraine”.
“We appreciate the significant military assistance that gives our country the ability to resist Russian aggression. The key to our success on the battlefield is the timely receipt of the necessary assistance,” the Ukrainian president said.
