Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Pope Francis at the Vatican, calling him a “great honor.” The Saturday encounter took place during the Ukrainian’s visit to Rome, where he also met with Italian leaders. The Pope has previously offered his assistance in attempting to stop the war that Russia started with its invasion of Ukraine a year ago. Neither party immediately provided specifics about the talks.
Police relocated tourists to one side of St. Peter’s Square ahead of Zelenskyy’s arrival in the late afternoon so the Ukrainian president’s motorcade could race across the large cobblestone expanse.
Earlier in the day, Zelenskyy met with Italian authorities following his morning flight to Rome, where he got both guarantees of ongoing military and financial help as well as increased support for Ukraine’s cherished aim to join the European Union.
“The message is clear and simple,” Meloni said, flanked by Zelenskyy as the two briefed reporters after their meeting, which lasted more than an hour at the premier’s office. “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’s commitment amidst differing stances within Italian Coalition
Meloni, who met with Zelenskyy in Ukraine in February, just before the anniversary of the invasion, reaffirmed her commitment to championing Ukraine’s EU objectives following necessary changes.
When Zelenskyy landed at Rome’s Ciampino airport’s military airfield, he was greeted by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Tajani told reporters that Italy will continue to back Ukraine “360 degrees” and advocate for a just settlement that protects Ukraine’s independence.
Meloni strongly supports military and other aid to Ukraine.
However, while her far-right Brothers of Italy party staunchly defends the notion of national sovereignty, Meloni has had to fight with leaders of two coalition partners who have openly expressed their adoration for Russian President Vladimir Putin for years.
Former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has boasted of his friendship with Putin, while League leader Matteo Salvini has questioned the value of economic sanctions against Russia.
Zelenskyy and Mattarella to hold talks with Italian Officials
Zelenskyy started his official engagements by paying a visit to Mattarella at the presidential Quirinale Palace.
“We are completely by your side,” Mattarella said as he greeted Zelenskyy. Following their discussion, presidential palace officials claimed Mattarella informed his guest that Italy would continue to support Ukraine militarily, financially, and with rehabilitation and humanitarian aid in the short and long term.
Since the start of the war, Italy has provided approximately 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) in military, financial, and humanitarian aid.
Meloni and Zelenskyy hugged in the palace courtyard before heading to the premier’s office for closed-door talks.
Zelenskyy is expected to travel to Berlin next. Because of security concerns, Zelenskyy’s specific schedule had not been made public, and the Vatican only confirmed a papal meeting minutes before the Ukrainian president’s plane touched down.
According to Italian state radio, a no-fly zone was declared over Rome’s airspace, and police sharpshooters were strategically deployed on high-rise buildings.
Meloni spoke with Zelenskyy in Kyiv, just before the anniversary of Russia’s full-fledged invasion on February 24, 2022.
Francis, who is keen on peace, last visited with Ukrainian President Poroshenko in 2020.
In his comments, the pontiff frequently makes emotional pleadings on behalf of Ukraine’s “martyred” people.
Pope Francis initiates peace efforts and Ukraine receives additional military support from Germany
On his way back to Rome after a trip to Hungary at the end of April, Francis told reporters on the plane that the Vatican was engaging in a behind-the-scenes peace effort but provided no further information. Neither Russia nor Ukraine has verified the existence of such an endeavor.
He has stated that he would like to visit Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, if it could be combined with a visit to Moscow, in the hopes that a papal pilgrimage could advance the cause of peace.
Last month, Ukraine’s prime minister met with Francis at the Vatican and requested the pontiff to assist Ukraine in reclaiming children who had been illegally abducted to Russia during the invasion.
Meanwhile, the German government announced that it would provide Ukraine with extra military help totaling more than 2.7 billion euros ($3 billion), including tanks, anti-aircraft systems, and ammunition.
The statement came on the same day that Berlin was preparing for Zelenskyy’s likely first visit to Germany since Russia invaded his country last year.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that Berlin wants to demonstrate “that Germany is serious in its support” for Ukraine with the newest batch of armaments.
“Germany will provide all the help it can, as long as it takes,” he said.