Ukraine would like Pope Francis to join the rescue of people in the east of our country, in particular to help unblock the humanitarian corridor in Mariupol, because His Holiness is trusted by many people and his mission is from God. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a press conference for international and Ukrainian media in Kyiv.

"I really wanted him to come from the very beginning, to support our people in the east of the country. I wanted him to try to unblock the humanitarian corridors to Mariupol," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to him, the Ukrainian side addressed the Holy See with such a request.

"It is too early to tell, but we are waiting for him. We are waiting because he has a mission - a mission from God. He is trusted by a large number of people, I think this is important," said the President.

The Head of State stressed that Ukraine is grateful to the Holy See and personally to Pope Francis for his support - during speeches and prayers at various events, he supports Ukraine and condemns Russian aggression.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also recalled his personal meeting with His Holiness during an audience in the Holy See when they discussed the story of the Ukrainian military Vitaliy Markiv.

"And he helped as much as he could. And we returned our military. Because we have to fight for every person. At least these are my rules of life," the President of Ukraine summed up.