Shmyhal confirms invitation to Pope to visit Ukraine

Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal. Photo: kmu.gov.ua

Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal, at a meeting with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, confirmed the invitation of President Vladimir Zelensky to the head of the Roman Catholic Church to visit Ukraine.

The meeting with the representative of the Vatican, who arrived in Kyiv to participate in the celebrations on the occasion of Independence Day, took place on August 23, reports the website of the Cabinet of Ministers.

The parties discussed the deepening of relations between Ukraine and the Vatican. In particular, they discussed the conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation between the Ukrainian Ministry of Health and the Vatican Pediatric Hospital "Infant Jesus", as well as the appointment of their representatives in both states.

Shmyhal also confirmed the invitation of President Vladimir Zelensky to Pope Francis to visit Ukraine, "which would be an excellent opportunity to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the visit of John Paul II to Ukraine".

As reported, upon arrival in Kyiv, the Vatican Secretary of State announced that the Pope wants to visit Ukraine, but such a visit has not been planned yet.

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