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Ukrainian Boy, Roman Oleksiv, Meets Pope Francis After Sharing War Testimony
Eleven-year-old Roman Oleksiv, a survivor of the war in Ukraine, met Pope Francis in March of this year after delivering a moving testimony at the European Parliament. The encounter, during which Oleksiv embraced the pontiff, followed his impactful speech about his experiences as a child during wartime.
Oleksiv’s Testimony and Background
roman Oleksiv was seven years old when a missile struck the city center of his hometown in Ukraine, according to the BBC. He testified at a session of the European Parliament,sharing his experiences as a war survivor. His testimony was so emotionally powerful that it reportedly moved the local interpreter to tears.
Oleksiv’s story underscores the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict on Ukrainian children. The United Nations estimates that millions of children in Ukraine are affected by the war, facing displacement, trauma, and disruption to their education.
the Meeting with Pope Francis
Following his testimony, Oleksiv had the prospect to meet Pope Francis. The encounter, recorded in March 2024, involved several minutes of conversation and a heartfelt hug between the boy and the pontiff. Details of their conversation have not been publicly released, but the meeting symbolizes a moment of compassion and solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
The War in Ukraine: A Timeline of Key events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 24, 2022 | Russia launches a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. |
| March 2022 | Evidence of war crimes committed by Russian forces emerges. |
| september 2022 | Ukraine launches a counteroffensive, reclaiming territory. |
| December 2023 | Continued fighting and shelling across eastern and southern Ukraine. |
| March 2024 | Roman Oleksiv meets Pope Francis after delivering testimony at the European Parliament. |
