Zelensky asks Pope Francis for help in freeing Ukrainian prisoners in Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky requested assistance from Pope Francis during a meeting at the Vatican on Friday in securing the release of Ukrainian prisoners held by Russia.

Zelensky, who is touring major European capitals to discuss a proposed “victory plan” in the war with Russia, invited the Vatican to participate in a conference on prisoners of war scheduled to be held in Canada later this month, according to Reuters.

He wrote on social media: “We count on the Holy See’s help in returning the Ukrainians captured by Russia,” noting that this was the main topic of his 35-minute conversation with Pope Francis.