Pope Francis presented the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, with a bronze sculpture of a blooming flower and a special edition of his Encyclical on Peace in Ukraine during an audience at the Vatican on April 27.
This is reported by the Vatican News.
The conversation between the Ukrainian leader and the Holy Father lasted around 30 minutes, after which the delegations exchanged gifts.
The Pope's gift featured the inscription "Peace is a delicate flower," along with a special edition of his message for this year's World Day of Peace, a document on universal human fraternity, a photo album on prayer for the world affected by the pandemic, and a copy of the "Encyclical on Peace in Ukraine", containing all of the Holy Father's statements related to the war, which occurred during the first nine months following the large-scale Russian invasion.
In return, Denys Shmyhal gave the Pope a reproduction of the famous "Borodianka Rooster," a decorative item made by the Vasylkiv Maiolica Factory that has become a symbol of the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people, adorned with ears of wheat from Ukraine, and a photo album about the ongoing war in Ukraine and the resistance of the Ukrainian people.
The press service of the Holy See reports that during the negotiations, which took place at the State Secretariat, various issues related to the war in Ukraine were discussed, paying particular attention to the humanitarian aspect and efforts to restore peace. In the same context, various issues related to the life and activities of the Church in the country were also discussed.