Zelensky Meets Pope Francis At The Vatican

Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has met and held talks with Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, at the Vatican on Saturday. 

AP reports that in a statement after the meeting that lasted about 40 minutes, the Vatican said both leader discussed Ukraine's "humanitarian and political situation provoked by the war going on.''

The statement was however, silent on a request by Ukranian Prime Minister, Denys Shmyhal's request on his visit to the Vatican last month about helping to secure the release children illegally taken to Russia during the invasion.

"The pope assured his constant prayer, paid witness to by his many public appeals and by his continued invoking of the Lord for peace, since February of last year,'' the Vatican said, a reference to the invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, by Russia's military.

“Both agreed on the need to continue humanitarian efforts” to help the population. “The pope underlined in particular the urgent need for ‘humanitarian gestures’ toward the most fragile persons, innocent victims of the conflict," the statement said.

"The Pope has assured his constant prayer and continuous invocation to the Lord for peace - since last February"

Before the meeting with Pope Francis, Zelenskyy also met with Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Melonie, who assured him of Rome's support for united Ukraine.

“The message is clear and simple. 

"The future of Ukraine is a future of peace and freedom. And it's the future of Europe, a future of peace and freedom, for which there are no other possible solutions," Meloni said.