President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his condolences for the passing of Pope Francis during a meeting with the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations. He praised the late Pope as a key religious leader and emphasized the importance of unity in times of war, offering greetings for Easter and Passover. Zelensky also acknowledged the support of religious communities in Ukraine, noting the significance of spiritual diplomacy in times of crisis. He thanked Pope Francis for his prayers for peace in Ukraine and highlighted the role of values in promoting unity and hope.
During a previous meeting at the Vatican in October 2024, Zelensky presented Pope Francis with an oil painting depicting the Bucha Massacre, a tragic event that occurred in a town near Kyiv following its occupation by Russian forces. The President emphasized the importance of commemorating civilian suffering and honoring the victims of the conflict. Pope Francis, known for his advocacy for peace, frequently spoke out against the war in Ukraine and called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, his remarks regarding the relationship between Russia and Ukraine have sparked criticism, with some accusing him of downplaying Russia’s role in the conflict.
Pope Francis’s appeal for peace during a Sunday address in December 2024, where he referred to both Russia and Ukraine as “brotherly nations,” reignited debate over the Vatican’s stance on the war. While rooted in calls for unity, the Pope’s remarks faced scrutiny in light of ongoing hostilities between the two countries. Zelensky’s recent comments on the Pope’s death come amid continued attacks by Russia on Ukraine, despite Putin’s declaration of an Easter ceasefire. The Ukrainian President reported numerous violations of the ceasefire by Russian forces, with attacks along the front line and shelling of Ukrainian positions.
Over the weekend, regional officials in Kherson reported three fatalities as a result of Russian attacks, adding to the toll of civilian casualties in the conflict. Russian drones targeted the port city of Odesa, while glide bombs struck Zaporizhzhia, causing further destruction and fear among the population. The ongoing violence underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and highlights the continued suffering and loss experienced by the people of Ukraine. Zelensky’s condemnation of Russia’s aggression and his call for international support underscores the importance of solidarity and unity in the face of adversity.
