Painting of Bucha and flower of peace: Zelensky exchanges gifts with Pope

Pope Francis and President Zelensky. Photo: Radio Svoboda

On October 11, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Pope Francis during his visit to the Vatican, reports the Italian resource Ansa.it.

The meeting lasted 35 minutes, from 9:45 to 10:20, in the library of the Apostolic Palace. Afterward, there was a meeting with the Ukrainian delegation.

Pope Francis gave the Ukrainian president a bronze bas-relief depicting a blooming flower with the inscription: "Peace is a fragile flower." In return, Zelensky presented the pontiff with an oil painting titled "The Massacre in Bucha: The Story of Marichka."

“The talks in the Secretariat of State were dedicated to the state of the war and the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, as well as ways that could bring it to an end, leading to a just and stable peace in the country. In addition, a number of issues concerning religious life in the country were discussed," said the Vatican press release.

As reported by the UOJ, religious expert Liudmila Fylypovych suggested that the Pope might demand that Zelensky repeal Law 3894-IX, which concerns the Church ban.

Read also

Media shows conditions in which persecuted communities of Volyn have to pray

After their churches were seized, UOC faithful are compelled to pray in poorly equipped facilities.

UOC parishioner fined for comments about OCU in Rivne Region

The defendant fully admitted his guilt.

Ministry of Culture attempts to conduct inventory at Pochaiv Lavra

A monastery representative reminded officials that the Lavra fulfills its contractual obligations and uses the property for its intended purpose.

Cherkasy Prosecutor's Office demands seizure of UOC church in Horodyshche

The Cherkasy Regional Economic Court has initiated proceedings upon the prosecutor's lawsuit, with a court hearing already scheduled.

Reserve Director: Relics are exhibits handled by anthropologists

The Chernihiv Reserve's director assured that after the expulsion of the UOC community from the Trinity Cathedral, the relics of the saints have been registered as state property.

Chernihiv official: Nuns are deluded they will stay in convents forever

The director of the Chernihiv Reserve believes that the nuns are illegally residing in the convent and are "propaganda captives".