ZENIT News / Vatican City, 04.27.2023).- On Thursday morning, April 27, 2023, Pope Francis received in private audience — in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace –, the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Mr Denys Shmyhal. This is the second time that the Holy Father receives in audience this Ukrainian leader. The conversation focused on the War and lasted approximately one hour. “I recounted how Ukrainians have to fight for their lives every day in the War initiated by Russia. Ewe appreciate the Holy See’s efforts to put an end to the War. The best path to peace is the formula of Ukraine’s President,” wrote Shmyhal on Twitter.
Afterwards, the Prime Minister met with the Holy See’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who was accompanied by Monsignor Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.
According to the Vatican’s Press Office, “Highlighted during the cordial conversations held in the State Secretariat were different questions regarding the War in Ukraine, paying special attention to the humanitarian aspect and the efforts to establish peace. Addressed in the same context were different topics related to the life and activity of the country’s Churches.”
Following his visit to the Vatican, the Ukrainian Prime Minister visited the Sovereign Order of Malta, entity with which Ukraine also has diplomatic relations. Given the sede vacante of the Order’s Sovereign Prince, the Prime Minister was received there by the current Lieutenant.
