Zelensky Meets Pope... Italian Prime Minister "Betting on Ukraine's Victory"

Leaders including the Italian Prime Minister pledged full support to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who visited the capital Rome on the 13th (local time).

According to the Italian ANSA news agency, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had lunch with President Zelensky at the Palazzo Chigi, the Prime Minister's residence in Rome, and held a meeting in English without an interpreter for about 70 minutes.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

After the meeting, Prime Minister Meloni stated at a joint press conference, "Ukraine must take a strong stance in negotiations with Russia," and expressed support for the 10-point peace formula proposed by President Zelensky.

President Zelensky proposed the 10-point peace formula last November at the G20 summit, which includes the withdrawal of Russian troops, restoration of justice, nuclear safety, and food security.

Prime Minister Meloni said, "Ukraine is fighting not only for itself but for the rest of Europe," and strongly supported Ukraine's accession to the European Union (EU).

She added, "Italy will continue to supply weapons to Ukraine and support Ukraine even after the war," emphasizing, "We are betting on Ukraine's victory."

President Zelensky expressed gratitude for Italy's support and invited Italian politicians to Ukraine.

He explained the purpose of the invitation by stating that 200,000 children have been abducted in Ukraine and that it is necessary to see firsthand what Russian President Vladimir Putin has done in Ukraine.

Before meeting Prime Minister Meloni, President Zelensky also held talks with President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace, the presidential residence in Rome.

President Mattarella said, "We are fully on your side. Welcome," and promised that Italy would provide full military, financial, humanitarian, and reconstruction support to Ukraine.

At this meeting, President Zelensky argued, "Peace can be restored through justice and international law," and insisted that surrender should not be forced.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

After meeting President Mattarella and Prime Minister Meloni, President Zelensky visited the Vatican to meet Pope Francis.

Following the meeting with the Pope, President Zelensky posted on his Telegram, "I am very grateful to the Pope for his concern about the tragedy of the Ukrainian people," and added, "We also discussed the fate of the children abducted in Ukraine."

The Holy See released a statement saying, "The approximately 40-minute meeting focused on the humanitarian and political situation in Ukraine amid the ongoing war," and "The Pope emphasized the need for acts of humanity for the vulnerable and innocent victims of the war."

Pope Francis is reported to have gifted a bronze sculpture symbolizing an olive branch, a symbol of peace, during the meeting.

President Zelensky also presented the Pope with an artwork made from bulletproof panels and a painting titled 'Loss,' themed on children killed in the war.

The Italian government deployed 1,000 security personnel and established a no-fly zone in preparation for President Zelensky's visit. Snipers were stationed on high-rise buildings along his route.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.