Pope Francis today telephoned the President of Ukraine, Volodymir Zelensky. This is the second conversation between the two since the beginning of the war; the first took place on Saturday, February 26.
Zelensky himself has confirmed this dialogue through his official Twitter account: “I told His Holiness about the difficult humanitarian situation and the blockade of the rescue corridors by Russian troops. The mediating role of the Holy See to end human suffering would be appreciated” and he thanked him for “prayers for Ukraine and peace”.
For his part, the Ukrainian ambassador to the Holy See, Andrii Yurash, has also confirmed on Twitter this “new visible gesture of support from Pope Francis: just a few minutes ago the Holy Father called President Volodymir Zelensky and they had a very promising conversation ”. The Pope said that he is praying and doing everything possible for the end of the war.” Likewise, he assures “His Holiness of him is the most anticipated guest” in the country.
Previous call from the Pope
In Francis’s first call to Volodymyr Zelensky after the Russian invasion, the Pontiff expressed his “deepest sorrow” for the war after Russia’s invasion.
“Pope Francis has had a telephone conversation today with President Volodymyr Zelenskyi. The Holy Father expressed his deepest sorrow for the tragic events that are taking place in our country” reads the tweet shared by the Ukrainian embassy to the Holy See.
The President of Ukraine, for his part, wrote on his Twitter account the following message: “I thanked Pope Francis for praying for peace in Ukraine and the ceasefire. The Ukrainian people feel the spiritual support of His Holiness.”
“Unfortunately, the violent aggression against Ukraine does not stop, a senseless massacre where every day there is a repetition of slaughter and atrocities.,” Pope Francis said after praying the Angelus Sunday with the faithful in St. Peter’s Square. “There is no justification for this! I plead with all those involved in the international community to truly commit to ending this abhorrent war.”
