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Zelenskyy discusses 'peace formula' with Pope Francis

Zelenskyy discusses 'peace formula' with Pope Francis Photo: President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy today, December 28, had a conversation with Pope Francis, according to the statement from the head of Ukraine.

"Just spoke with His Holiness Pope Francis," the statement said.

President Zelenskyy thanked him for the greetings for Ukraine and Ukrainians on Christmas, as well as for the wish for a just peace.

"We discussed our joint work on the 'peace formula,' with more than 80 states already involved in the process at the level of their representatives. I am grateful to the Vatican for supporting our work," added the president.

The Vatican's role in the war in Ukraine

Pope Francis previously stated that the Vatican is participating in a peacekeeping mission to try to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. He made this announcement after his visit to Budapest, where he met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Metropolitan Hilarion, a representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in Budapest.

However, later on, the Office of the President stated that Ukraine was not aware of any peacekeeping mission by the Vatican mentioned by Pope Francis. In May, President Zelensky had a meeting with Pope Francis that lasted about 40 minutes.