"During his visit to Italy, he met with Pope Francis. Thanks to His Holiness for prayers for peace for Ukraine, spiritual closeness with our people and humanitarian aid for our people", the Ukrainian president said.

He noted that he discussed with the pontiff the consequences of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the enemy's air terror and the situation in the energy sector as a result of Russian shelling. Zelenskyy and the Pope also chatted about the Formula for Peace, the Holy See's role in establishing a just and sustainable peace for Ukraine, and expectations from the Global Peace Summit.

"We appreciate the Vatican's participation in the summit and efforts aimed at bringing peace closer, in particular on the return of Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia", Zelenskyy summarized.

• On June 13, it became known that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Pope Francis will hold a bilateral meeting during the G7 summit in Puglia, Italy.