Diplomatic Encounters: Pope Francis and Zelenskiy's Rome Rendezvous

Pope Francis is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday, as announced by the Vatican. The two leaders last met at the Vatican in December 2023, following a brief encounter at the G7 summit in Italy. Discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are also anticipated.

Pope Francis is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday morning, according to a Vatican announcement on Wednesday. This marks the continuation of their diplomatic engagements, having last met during the G7 summit in southern Italy earlier this year.

The meeting comes in the wake of Francis addressing the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, elevating a bishop to cardinal in an upcoming ceremony set for December 8. This move is seen as a gesture of support amidst ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe.

During his stay in Rome, Zelenskiy is also expected to engage in discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. These diplomatic efforts highlight the ongoing attempts to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

(With inputs from agencies.)