Painting of Bucha and flower of peace: Zelensky exchanges gifts with Pope

Pope Francis and President Zelensky. Photo: Radio Svoboda

On October 11, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Pope Francis during his visit to the Vatican, reports the Italian resource Ansa.it.

The meeting lasted 35 minutes, from 9:45 to 10:20, in the library of the Apostolic Palace. Afterward, there was a meeting with the Ukrainian delegation.

Pope Francis gave the Ukrainian president a bronze bas-relief depicting a blooming flower with the inscription: "Peace is a fragile flower." In return, Zelensky presented the pontiff with an oil painting titled "The Massacre in Bucha: The Story of Marichka."

“The talks in the Secretariat of State were dedicated to the state of the war and the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, as well as ways that could bring it to an end, leading to a just and stable peace in the country. In addition, a number of issues concerning religious life in the country were discussed," said the Vatican press release.

As reported by the UOJ, religious expert Liudmila Fylypovych suggested that the Pope might demand that Zelensky repeal Law 3894-IX, which concerns the Church ban.

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