Ukrainian President Thanks Holy See for Support Amid Ongoing Efforts to Return Deported Children
During a working visit to the Vatican, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Cardinal Matteo Zuppi and the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The discussions focused on efforts to repatriate Ukrainian children forcibly deported by Russia and to secure the release of prisoners.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to Zelenskyy's post on social media platform X.
President Zelenskyy began the meeting by expressing condolences over the death of Pope Francis, emphasizing the profound respect Ukrainians have always held for the late Pontiff. "It is very important for us to be here today and to stand together with the world. Pope Francis consistently fought for peace globally, including for Ukraine," Zelenskyy said.
He conveyed deep gratitude to the Vatican, Pope Francis, and Cardinal Zuppi for their continued support in addressing humanitarian issues, particularly the return of deported children and prisoners of war. "The most important mission is to bring more lives back home to their families," the President stressed. "You have already assisted us with the return of some children, and today we seek your help once again. Sadly, many Ukrainian children remain held against their will on Russian territory. We want to bring them home."
Zelenskyy also thanked the Holy See for facilitating a meeting with the U.S. President Donald Trump at St. Peter’s Basilica, describing the talks as highly positive and reaffirming the strategic importance of the U.S.-Ukraine partnership.
Cardinal Zuppi emphasized that fostering dialogue was a principle Pope Francis had consistently advocated. "This is precisely what Pope Francis wished for – dialogue, where key leaders meet and resolve their issues. He always urged for greater efforts to support Ukraine and achieve peace," Cardinal Zuppi stated.
The visit took place against the backdrop of the funeral ceremonies for Pope Francis, attended by world leaders gathered in Vatican City.
As The Gaze reported earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with his American counterpart Donald Trump in Rome on the sidelines of official events at the funeral of Pope Francis.