Inside Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s relationship with Pope Francis
The funeral of Pope Francis was attended by over 250,000 individuals, with the Italian government verifying the attendance of more than 100 foreign delegations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife Olena were among the global leaders present at the funeral of the first pope from Latin America. They occupied a front-row seat, which was an exception to the established seating protocols. Matteo Bruni, the director of the Holy See Press Office, informed The Telegraph that the couple occupied a ‘vacant place.’
Instead of the recommended dark suit paired with a long black tie and a black button on the left side of the jacket, Zelenskyy opted for a tailored military-style field jacket at Pope Francis’ funeral.
Since the onset of the war with Russia three years ago, the Ukrainian leader has not donned a suit. He also refrained from wearing one during his meeting with Donald Trump in the Oval Office, a point raised by a reporter who criticized Zelenskyy for opting for a military uniform in such a formal setting.
I will don a costume once this war concludes, he responded.
President Zelenskyy expressed his respect for Pope Francis, even as Ukrainian officials believed that the Vatican had not sufficiently supported Ukraine. In March 2024, Pope Francis faced backlash for suggesting that Ukraine should demonstrate the courage to negotiate and end the conflict by raising a white flag.
He stated, ‘The strongest individual is one who assesses the situation, considers the welfare of the people, and possesses the courage to negotiate.’ He further remarked, ‘When one recognizes defeat and that circumstances are unfavorable, it is essential to have the bravery to engage in negotiations.’
Ukraine categorically dismissed the pope’s suggestion, with the nation’s ambassador to the Vatican likening it to appeasement of Hitler, while Zelenskyy later commented on the matter without directly mentioning the pope.
“They are on the frontline, safeguarding life and humanity, offering support through prayer, dialogue, and actions,” Zelenskyy stated. “This embodies the essence of the church – it stands with the people, not two-and-a-half thousand kilometers away, merely mediating between those who wish to live and those who seek to annihilate them.”
The Vatican subsequently clarified that when the pope referred to a ‘white flag,’ he was alluding to a ‘truce achieved through courageous negotiation.’
In December, during a mass, Pope Francis faced criticism once more for referring to Ukraine and Russia as ‘brother.’
Two months prior to his death, the pontiff described the conflict between the two nations as both ‘painful and shameful.’ ‘As I reaffirm my solidarity with the martyred Ukrainian people, I urge you to remember the victims of all armed conflicts and to pray for the gift of peace in Palestine, Israel, and across the Middle East, as well as in Myanmar, Kivu, and Sudan,’ stated Pope Francis. Ukraine has criticized the pope for not providing sufficient support for their nation and for failing to denounce Russia’s invasion.
A source, who preferred to remain anonymous, informed AFP that both the Vatican and Pope Francis displayed a complete lack of understanding regarding this region of the world.
Notwithstanding the criticism, the Ukrainian official expressed appreciation for the Vatican’s initiatives in facilitating the return of Ukrainian children abducted from occupied regions to Russia, as well as in conducting prisoner exchanges.
In the wake of Pope Francis’ death, Zelenskyy expressed his condolences on behalf of himself and the Ukrainian populace. He stated, ‘I convened with representatives of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations.
We were all saddened to learn of Pope Francis’ passing yesterday. My heartfelt condolences. We recall his prayers for peace in Ukraine.’
This Saturday, our state will be represented in Rome at the farewell ceremony. Although this week follows Easter, we continue to face daily Russian shelling and strikes. We hold the belief that this Easter season presents a chance to pursue the essential steps towards tranquility and peace.
A genuine ceasefire is imperative, as is the establishment of enduring and robust peace. Ukraine requires the backing of religious communities—spiritual diplomacy and the diplomacy of values are always beneficial. This was the primary focus of our discussions. It is crucial to maintain our engagement with international partners.
The President of Ukraine expressed gratitude to the churches and religious organizations for their contributions in promoting Ukraine, for their prayers, and for the unwavering support they have provided to our citizens during the entire duration of the war.
Kindly distribute this article among your family and friends on Facebook.