Olena Zelensky, the Ukrainian president's wife, is on a fundraising tour to help rebuild the country in the health and cultural fields. She has also stopped in Rome, where she met with Pope Francis.
Since the war began, this was their first meeting. The pontiff met with her husband on three occasions since the invasion. Now the Vatican is conducting mediation to try to return Ukrainian children to their homes.
The First Lady was also present at the general audience, where Pope Francis wanted to read the letter sent to him by a young Ukrainian on the occasion of the 1,000th day since the beginning of the war.
POPE FRANCIS
I beg you, do not speak only of our sufferings but bear witness also to our faith. Even if it is imperfect its value does not diminish. This one draws with painful brushstrokes the picture of the risen Christ.
At the end of the public catechesis the First Lady of Ukraine returned to say goodbye to Pope Francis.
TR: JD
