Zelenskiy Lauds Vatican's Peace Efforts Amid Ongoing Tensions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has praised the Vatican's efforts to seek peace and release prisoners of war during discussions with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State. The meeting represents a shift from past tensions between Kyiv and the Holy See, with the focus on achieving a just peace for Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Tuesday applauded the Vatican's efforts to promote peace and secure the release of prisoners of war in discussions with a senior Vatican official, a notable shift from previous tensions between Kyiv and the Holy See.

Zelenskiy expressed gratitude to Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin for the symbolic support signified by his visit to Kyiv. 'It is a signal of support for Ukraine, Ukrainians, and our aspiration to live independently and in peace,' Zelenskiy stated in his nightly video address.

The cardinal, effectively the second-highest official in the Vatican, had toured four cities in Ukraine, with discussions centering on concrete steps that could be taken this year to inch closer to a just peace for Ukraine. 'It is very important for us and for the cause of peace that the Vatican is active in protecting life and aiding in the implementation of the peace formula, particularly the release of prisoners,' Zelenskiy noted, referring to Ukraine's peace plan from last month's Swiss-organized summit.

The meeting underscores the evolving relationship between Kyiv and the Vatican, despite past strains since Russia's invasion in February 2022. Ukraine had previously objected to Pope Francis's comments suggesting Kyiv should negotiate peace and his remarks on a Russian nationalist's daughter killed by a car bomb. However, recent diplomatic moves, including Vatican envoys visiting Kyiv and Moscow, emphasize the Vatican's ongoing calls for peace and criticism of attacks during the conflict, including a recent strike on medical facilities in Kyiv. Ukraine remains home to approximately 5 million eastern-rite Catholics, further solidifying these ties.

(With inputs from agencies.)