The meeting lasted for 35 minutes, from 9:45 to 10:20. Following the personal meeting and the introduction of the Ukrainian delegation, Francis presented Zelensky with a bronze plaque featuring an image of a flower and the inscription "Peace is a fragile flower."
Zelensky gifted the pontiff an oil painting titled "Massacre in Bucha. The Story of Marichka."
Francis also conveyed his message to the Ukrainian president on the occasion of this year's World Day of Peace, along with the book Statio Orbis and the book "Persecuted for Truth: Ukrainian Greek Catholics Behind the Iron Curtain."
Zelensky wrote on Telegram that the main topic of discussion was the return of Ukrainians from captivity. In this context, he mentioned journalist Victoria Roshchina, who died in captivity before the exchange could take place.
"We are counting on the assistance of the Holy See in bringing home Ukrainians captured by Russia," he stated.
Zelensky is visiting the Vatican for the third time after talks with the pontiff on February 8, 2020, and May 13, 2023, as noted by ANSA. Francis and the President of Ukraine also met during a bilateral meeting on June 14 at the G7 summit in Borgo Egnazia, Apulia.