Ukrainian president speaks to Pope, invites prospect of mediation

"Told His Holiness about the difficult humanitarian situation," President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted.

By REUTERS

MARCH 23, 2022 08:23

Updated: MARCH 23, 2022 08:25

POPE FRANCIS greets visitors during the weekly general audience at the Vatican last Wednesday. He is an honorary recipient of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity. (photo credit: REMO CASSILI/REUTERS) — POPE FRANCIS greets visitors during the weekly general audience at the Vatican last Wednesday. He is an honorary recipient of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity.

(photo credit: REMO CASSILI/REUTERS)

LVIV, Ukraine - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday he had spoken to Pope Francis and that he would welcome the Holy See's mediating role with Russia.

Pope Francis has implicitly criticised Russia and called the conflict in Ukraine an unjustified "senseless massacre".

Talked to @Pontifex. Told His Holiness about the difficult humanitarian situation and the blocking of rescue corridors by Russian troops. The mediating role of the Holy See in ending human suffering would be appreciated. Thanked for the prayers for Ukraine and peace. pic.twitter.com/wj4hmrTRGd
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 22, 2022

"Told His Holiness about the difficult humanitarian situation and the blocking of rescue corridors by Russian troops. The mediating role of the Holy See in ending human suffering would be appreciated," Zelensky said in a tweet.