Neither Russia nor Ukraine has confirmed such an initiative. The pontiff makes frequent impassioned pleas on behalf of Ukraine's “martyred" people, in his words.Īt the end of April, flying back to Rome from a trip to Hungary, Francis told reporters on the plane that the Vatican was involved in a behind-the-scenes peace mission but gave no details.
Meloni met with Zelenskyy in Kyiv, shortly before the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022.įrancis, who is eager for peace, last met with the Ukrainian leader in 2020. Italian state radio reported that as part of protective measures, a no-fly zone was ordered for Rome skies and police sharpshooters were strategically placed on high buildings. Zelenskyy’s exact schedule hadn't been publicly announced because of security concerns, and the Vatican only confirmed a papal meeting shortly before the Ukrainian president's plane touched down. Zelenskyy is believed to be heading to Berlin next. Near the presidential palace was Mariya Hrytskevych, a Ukrainian citizen living in Italy, who noted that Zelenskyy is “traveling a lot for our good - to fight and to find more help, because we need help.” Zelenskyy to later meet with the pope at The Vatican.Įn route to his appointments, Zelenskyy's motorcade passed by cheering Ukrainians who had waited in the rain to welcome him during his visit to the Italian capital, expected to last several hours. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, right, leaves his hotel for a meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, May 13, 2023. Meloni and Zelenskyy embraced in the palace courtyard, before the two headed to their closed-door talks. The Ukrainian leader then headed to the premier's office at Chigi Palace. "We are fully at your side,'' Mattarella told Zelenskyy at the start of their meeting.
Rain let up just in time about noon for the two to view an honor guard in the palace courtyard atop the Quirinal Hill, and Zelenskyy stood with his hand over his heart as an Italian military band played Ukraine's anthem. Zelenskyy began his official meetings by calling on Mattarella, who is head of state, at the presidential Quirinale Palace. Coalition ally Silvio Berlusconi, a former premier, has boasted of his friendship with Putin, while another government ally, League leader Matteo Salvini, has questioned the value of economic sanctions against Russia. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni staunchly backs military and other aid for Ukraine.īut while her far-right Brothers of Italy party fiercely champions the principle of national sovereignty, Meloni has had to contend with leaders of two coalition partners who have openly professed for years their admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukraine's president is on a one-day visit to Italy to meet with Pope Francis at The Vatican. Peter's Square at The Vatican, May 13, 2023.
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