Olena Zelenska meets with Pope Francis and attends Mass at the Vatican
Pope Francis and Olena Zelenska. Photo: vaticannews
On November 20, Pope Francis received the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. According to the president.gov.ua website, Zelenska began her visit to Italy and the Vatican to participate in a mass marking 1,000 days since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Yulia Svyrydenko, also participated in the audience.
It was noted that the First Lady and the Pontiff discussed how to secure the release of all Ukrainians held in Russian captivity and return Ukrainian children to their homeland.
Zelenska expressed deep gratitude to the Holy Father for his continual appeals on behalf of her war-torn nation, his support and aid efforts, and the ongoing mission of Cardinal Zuppi.
Olena Zelenska also presented the Pope with a handcrafted “Saint Nicholas” plate from Ukraine.
"With the hope that peace and safety for Ukrainians will finally prevail, not just in our wishes but in reality," she added.
Following the meeting, the First Lady participated in the General Audience of guests from around the world at St. Peter’s Square.
As reported by UOJ, during the general audience, Pope Francis described the war in Ukraine as "a shameful tragedy for all humanity" and pledged to continue working toward replacing weapons with dialogue.
Read also
"Stigmatization based on faith": DESS reprimands TSN for story about Muslims
DESS criticized TSN because "the investigation in the "1+1" news story immediately took on an accusatory bias, and the accused themselves were not given a voice."
His Beatitude Onuphry: Through fasting, man returns to Paradise
On Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry reminded the faithful about Adam's fall and urged them to repent before Great Lent.
Archbishop of Greece speaks about his successor and the Church's future
On the occasion of the 18th anniversary of his leadership of the Greek Church, the Primate gave an interview in which he spoke about relations with the state, the situation in Sinai, and the challenges of the modern world.
In Barcelona, Sagrada Familia’s central tower completed after 144 years
In Barcelona, a glass cross was installed on the Sagrada Familia temple, completing the central tower and bringing the building to the height of 172.5 meters.
On Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Onuphry celebrates Liturgy at Lavra
During Cheesefare Week, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry celebrated the Liturgy at the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, addressed the flock with a sermon, and offered prayers for peace and the preservation of Ukraine's people.
In Hnidyn, St. Nicholas Church of UOC damaged by shelling
As a result of shelling, the St. Nicholas Church of the UOC in the village of Hnidyn of the Boryspil Eparchy was damaged.