Pope Francis and President Zelensky discuss the blueprint for peace.
At a Glance
- Ukrainian President Zelensky met Pope Francis to outline a “victory plan” for ending the conflict with Russia
- The meeting lasted 35 minutes, focusing on peace and humanitarian issues in Ukraine
- Zelensky presented Pope Francis with a painting depicting the Bucha massacre to highlight the war’s toll
- Pope Francis has urged diplomatic means and prisoner exchanges as possible solutions
Private Vatican Meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky convened with Pope Francis at the Vatican as part of his European tour. The meeting, which lasted 35 minutes, revolved around Zelensky’s proposed “victory plan” to end the ongoing conflict with Russia. This pivotal discussion aimed to address the dire humanitarian challenges facing Ukraine and sought support for achieving a just and lasting peace.
Pope Francis emphasized the fragility of peace by gifting Zelensky a bronze plaque with the inscription, “Peace is a fragile flower.” Both leaders exchanged ideas on diplomatic measures, with Pope Francis advocating for initiatives such as prisoner exchanges to mitigate the war’s impact.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met Pope Francis at the Vatican on Friday, part of a whirlwind tour of European capitals aimed at drumming up support from allies ahead of a tough winter.https://t.co/9d7gWqFtgr pic.twitter.com/Isechj1Evc
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) October 11, 2024
Symbolism and Strategy
Zelensky, during the meeting, presented Pope Francis with a poignant oil painting titled “The Massacre of Bucha. The Story of Marichka.” This artwork depicts the tragic events in Bucha, underscoring the severe consequences of the war. The gesture served to strengthen Zelensky’s call for increased international support and collaboration in the quest for peace.
Zelensky’s diplomatic efforts are part of a broader mission across Europe, where he is promoting his vision of a sustainable resolution to the conflict. This mission has included meetings with European leaders and a canceled meeting with President Joe Biden due to Hurricane Milton.
Path to Peace
The engagement with Pope Francis represents a significant step in Zelensky’s strategy to enlist global moral and political backing. Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, acting as a special envoy, has been dispatched to assist in easing tensions in the region. Zelensky seeks comprehensive security guarantees, ideally through NATO, although this proposal has seen varied reactions from key Western powerhouses.
The ongoing battles in the eastern Donetsk region add pressure, with the Ukrainian military facing substantial challenges. Zelensky’s relentless push for international aid coincides with concerns raised about changing U.S. policies amidst the upcoming elections.