Zelenskyy Reportedly Planning Visit to Vatican for Pope Francis Farewell Ceremonies

UPD: Zelenskyy will attend the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26, accompanied by First Lady Olena Zelenska, according to presidential communications adviser Dmytro Lytvyn, who spoke to Babel.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is reportedly expected to travel to the Vatican to attend the farewell ceremonies for Pope Francis, European Pravda reported on April 22, citing a source familiar with the president’s plans.

According to the source, Zelenskyy intends to participate in the events, although the Holy See has not yet confirmed the official dates.

“The President’s Office is awaiting the announcement of the funeral date and is preparing a visit to Rome and the Vatican for the farewell to the pontiff,” the source said, emphasizing that the visit is specifically planned for the farewell ceremonies.

On April 21, Zelenskyy expressed his condolences regarding Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.

On April 20, Pope Francis delivered his first public address since falling ill, using his Easter message to speak of war-torn Ukraine. He called for peace and urged all sides to pursue a just and lasting resolution.

The pontiff had been hospitalized on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection—his most serious health setback since the start of his 12-year papacy.