Zelenskyy/ Pope Francis/ Ukraine peace plan/ European tour/ Ukraine war/ Vatican diplomacy/ Newslopoks/ VATICAN CITY/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Pope Francis at the Vatican as part of his European tour to rally support for a “victory plan” to end the war with Russia. Their discussions focused on the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, with Zelenskyy emphasizing the need for continued European support to counter recent Russian gains.
Zelenskyy’s European Peace Tour: Quick Looks
- Vatican Visit: Zelenskyy and Pope Francis held private talks for 35 minutes, discussing the war and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
- Peace Symbol: The pope gifted Zelenskyy a plaque symbolizing peace, while Zelenskyy presented an oil painting depicting the horrors of Bucha.
- European Tour: After visiting France, the U.K., and Italy, Zelenskyy aims to secure more European support before the U.S. elections.
- Military Pressure: Amid recent losses in Donetsk, Zelenskyy’s tour underscores the urgency of rallying aid for Ukraine’s stretched military.
Zelenskyy Pushes for Peace & Aid in Europe, Meets Pope Francis
Deep Look
As part of his European tour to galvanize support for his “victory plan,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Friday. The two leaders held private discussions lasting 35 minutes, focusing on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, as well as possible pathways to peace. The meeting marks a significant step in Zelenskyy’s diplomatic efforts to rally European support amid escalating tensions and recent Russian advances in eastern Ukraine.
In the Sala della Biblioteca, Pope Francis presented Zelenskyy with a symbolic gift—a bronze plaque depicting a flower inscribed with the words, “Peace is a fragile flower.” The plaque underscored the pope’s longstanding call for peace, which he has expressed through multiple diplomatic exchanges with Zelenskyy over the past year. In return, Zelenskyy gifted the pontiff an oil painting, “The Massacre of Bucha: The Story of Marichka,” representing the suffering of Ukrainian civilians during Russia’s occupation of the Bucha suburb in 2022. The painting serves as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed against civilians in Ukraine and aligns with Zelenskyy’s plea for global solidarity against Russia.
Following his meeting with Pope Francis, Zelenskyy met with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher. The Vatican described the talks as covering the war’s impact, the state of humanitarian aid, and how these issues relate to achieving a stable peace in Ukraine. Religious matters in Ukraine, a country with a complex religious landscape that includes both Orthodox and Catholic communities, were also discussed.
Zelenskyy’s tour through Europe comes after a planned U.S. summit with President Joe Biden was postponed due to Hurricane Milton, shifting the focus of his diplomatic outreach to European allies. On Thursday, he met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, appealing for continued military and humanitarian assistance.
His European outreach also coincides with U.S. election season, as Zelenskyy aims to reinforce support from NATO allies, particularly in light of former President Donald Trump’s criticism of U.S. aid to Ukraine. The Ukrainian president is expected to meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz later on Friday, rounding off a tour that underscores the urgency of securing European backing as the U.S. approaches its presidential election.
Back in Ukraine, Russian forces have put increasing pressure on the Ukrainian military, particularly in the contested eastern Donetsk region. Recent Russian advances pushed Ukrainian troops out of Vuhledar and took control of roughly half of the nearby town of Toretsk, according to local official Vasyl Chynchyk. These developments add to Zelenskyy’s call for support, as Ukraine’s military struggles to counter Russian aggression amid ongoing resource challenges.
Pope Francis, who has often urged peace and dialogue, stirred controversy in March when he suggested that Ukrainians consider “the courage of the white flag” as a path to negotiation with Russia—a comment interpreted by many as a call for surrender. The pope’s recent efforts have included sending Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi as a special envoy to encourage dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, with a particular focus on humanitarian measures like prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia.
The urgency of Zelenskyy’s tour reflects the immediate needs of his country’s military forces. Despite a relentless year of fighting, his government remains determined to pursue what he calls a “just end” to the conflict. The “victory plan” he proposes aims to solidify international support as the country endures another winter of war.
In a year marked by intensified military conflict and shifting diplomatic alliances, Zelenskyy’s meeting with Pope Francis and European leaders exemplifies his efforts to secure peace while shoring up military aid. The Vatican’s gesture, along with Europe’s willingness to engage, signifies a collective desire for stability in Ukraine, though the path remains fraught with political complexities and on-the-ground challenges.
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