On Wed., May 13, Pope Francis met in the Vatican with the Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The Supreme Pontiff and the Ukrainian president exchanged gifts as part of protocol.
However, several days after the meeting, numerous Christians expressed their discontent for Zelensky's gift to the Holy Father.
Many social media users considered it offensive and blasphemous to the Catholic faith.
What did the President of Ukraine give Pope Francis?
The meeting between President Zelensky and Pope Francis lasted approximately 40 minutes. They discussed the humanitarian and political situation in Ukraine amid the ongoing war.
Pope Francis gave President Zelensky a bronze sculpture depicting an olive branch, which symbolizes peace.
The Holy Father then gifted President Zelensky with the 2019 Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together.
Pope Francis' final gifts consisted of the Statio Orbis of March 27, 2020, and a volume titled “An Encyclical on Peace in Ukraine."
Here's a video of the meeting's highlights:
President Zelensky's gifts to Pope Francis stir controversy
One of Zelensky's gifts contained a piece of art created from a bulletproof plate.
Another gift consisted of a painting entitled "Loss," which denounces killing children in war. It depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary holding a dark figure, which replaces the Christ Child.
Below is an image of the icon:
The image generated a wave of criticism on social networks and many users expressed their repudiation of the gift.
One user said, "The gift Vladymyr Zelensky gave to Pope Francis, regardless of your faith--every Christian who supports this man supports this offensive icon."
Another user said, "Icon that Zelensky gave to Pope Francis. In Ukraine, the image of Mary holding Javelins or Saint Javelina has become popular. Most Christians would consider it blasphemous"
One user also said, "From prosecuting the canonical Orthodox Church at home to gifting blasphemous icons, Zelensky has truly shown his disdain for Christianity."
What do you think of this gift?