Pope Francis is set to receive Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a public audience on May 13, as confirmed by the Vatican’s press office. The Vatican did not issue an official confirmation of Zelensky’s visit, but sources indicate that the meeting with the Pope would mark the first direct encounter since February 2022, when Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. The encounter is planned for the latter part of the day on Saturday, following preliminary meetings Zelensky is expected to hold with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
During the Rome visit, Zelensky is anticipated to hold discussions with Mattarella and Meloni before the planned audience with Pope Francis. The Ukrainian leader’s trip to the Italian capital has been framed as part of broader diplomatic engagements in the capital, illustrating Rome’s role as a venue for high-level talks and international diplomacy. Reports from Ranews24 and other outlets indicated the Ukrainian president’s arrival in Italy and described a reception at Ciampino airport by senior Italian government officials, including the Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani. These movements underscore the ongoing coordination among Kyiv, Rome, and Vatican authorities as Ukraine seeks continued international support amid ongoing conflict. Attribution: Vatican press service; corroborating outlets reported the logistics surrounding Zelensky’s schedule and the arrival details.”