On October 11, 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Pope Francis at the Vatican for a 35-minute audience. This marks their third meeting, following previous discussions in 2020 and 2023. The primary focus of their talks was the plight of Ukrainians imprisoned in Russia, with Zelensky emphasizing the urgent need for their return.
Zelensky expressed deep concern over the ongoing situation, highlighting the recent death of Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna in Russian captivity. He noted that many journalists and civilians remain imprisoned, underscoring the humanitarian crisis stemming from the conflict.
During the meeting, the Pope presented Zelensky with a bronze relief symbolizing peace, while Zelensky gifted the Pope a painting depicting the Bucha massacre. Their discussions also touched on the broader humanitarian situation in Ukraine and possible diplomatic avenues for achieving a just and lasting peace.
The Vatican's Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the Holy See's Foreign Minister, Paul Richard Gallagher, joined the discussions, which included plans for a conference on the return of deported children and the release of hostages, scheduled for October 30-31 in Canada.
This meeting signifies a continued commitment from both leaders to address the humanitarian issues arising from the war, with the Vatican playing a potential role in facilitating negotiations for prisoner exchanges and peace efforts.