**Pope Francis and Ukrainian President Zelensky Meet to Discuss War and Suffering**

For the third time, Pope Francis has welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the Vatican. During their 35-minute meeting in the Apostolic Palace, Pope Francis expressed deep sorrow over the plight of Ukrainian children, many of whom he noted have lost their ability to smile due to the continuing war.

The dialogue, marking their fourth encounter overall, follows a bilateral meeting on June 14, 2023, during the G7 summit in Italy and previous meetings on May 13, 2023, and prior to the escalation of the conflict on February 8, 2020. The Holy See Press Office reported that discussions primarily focused on the current state of the war and the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine. Moreover, they explored potential pathways to achieving a just and lasting peace in the country.

Subsequent to his audience with the Pope, President Zelensky also met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations. These talks further delved into religious life within Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.

In a post on social media platform X after the meeting, Pope Francis emphasized the sovereignty and right of all nations to exist peacefully and securely, condemning war and hatred for bringing only destruction and death. His message called for respect for national territories and the pursuit of peace through dialogue.

As part of tradition, there was an exchange of gifts between the Pope and President Zelensky. President Zelensky presented an oil painting depicting "The Bucha Massacre. The Story of Marichka," while Pope Francis bestowed a bronze casting of a flower inscribed with "Peace is a fragile flower," along with several papal documents, a book on the March 27, 2020, Statio Orbis, and a volume on "Persecuted for Truth, Ukrainian Greek Catholics Behind the Iron Curtain."

Pope Francis has consistently appealed for an end to the war and its resulting suffering. He has offered the Holy See’s resources to facilitate peace and has sent delegates to Ukraine with medical supplies and humanitarian aid.