Pope Francis has stated that the Vatican has started a covert campaign to try to put an end to the war that Russia started last year. Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky has come in Rome for discussions with Italian authorities and the pope.
According to state television RAI, Mr. Zelensky arrived at a military airfield at Rome’s Ciampino airport. Antonio Tajani, the foreign minister of Italy, was present to receive him, according to the ANSA news agency.
The official start to what is anticipated to be a multi-hour visit to the Italian capital is the meeting with Mr. Mattarella in the presidential Quirinale Palace.
Due to security concerns, the actual schedule of the Ukrainian president was not made public, and the Vatican only confirmed a papal meeting just before the Ukrainian president’s arrival.
READ ALSO: First British Coronation In 70 Years Saw Charles III Become King
“Today in Rome,” Mr Zelensky tweeted. ”I’m meeting with President of Italy Sergio Mattarella, Prime Minister of Italy @GiorgiaMeloni and the Pope @Pontifex. An important visit for approaching victory of Ukraine!”
A no-fly zone was established over Rome’s skies, and armed police were stationed at strategic locations on tall buildings, according to Italian state media.
While Ms. Meloni saw Mr. Zelenskyy in Kyiv shortly before the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, Francis, who is hungry for peace, last met the Ukrainian leader in 2020 and frequently pleads on behalf of Ukraine’s “martyred” people.
At the end of April, the Pope told reporters that the Vatican was engaged in a covert peace mission but he did not provide any other information. Both Russia and Ukraine have not endorsed such a plan.
