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Pope Francis meets with Zelensky in Vatican — Holy See press office

The meeting lasted 40 minutes, the sides discussed humanitarian situation in Ukraine

THE VATICAN, May 13. /TASS/. Pope Francis met with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky on Saturday, the press office of the Holy See said on Saturday.

The Ukrainian leader met with the pontiff in person for the first time since the onset of Russia’s special military operation in February 2022. Previously, the two met in February 2020. Then Zelensky discussed the humanitarian situation and ways of peacefully settling the Donbass conflict.

"The meeting, which lasted some 40 minutes, focused on the humanitarian and political situation in Ukraine," the press service said, adding that "The Holy Father assured the President of his constant prayers, as witnessed by his numerous public appeals and invocations to the Lord for peace." It was noted that the sides "agreed on the ongoing requirement to continue providing humanitarian aid to the population."

The Ukrainian leader met with the pontiff in person for the first time since the onset of Russia’s special military operation in February 2022. Previously, the two met in February 2020. Then Zelensky discussed the humanitarian situation and ways of peacefully settling the Donbass conflict.

The Pope and high-ranking Vatican officials repeatedly confirmed their readiness to serve as mediators in the Ukrainian settlement.

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Ukraine Pope Francis Vladimir Zelensky

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