Zelenskyy’s Offensive ‘Gift’ to Pope Francis Will Offend Christians.

Ukrainian President’s Gift to Pope Francis Sparks Outrage Among Catholics

By Warner Todd Huston | May 18, 2023 at 12:25pm

During his recent meeting with Pope Francis, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the pontiff with a painting entitled “Loss 2022-58.” The painting, which is fashioned after a religious icon image of the Virgin Mary holding an infant Christ in her arms, commemorates the 243 children who died in the first 58 days of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. However, the painting’s unflattering image of Mary holding an entirely blacked-out baby Jesus has been deemed highly offensive by many Catholics.

Video podcaster Dr. Taylor Marshall, who has a large Catholic following, expressed his outrage at the painting, calling it “highly offensive to the pope, all Catholics, and all Christians.” Many Twitter users have also expressed their disgust, with some calling the painting an insult to Catholics.

• “This is disturbing.”
• “I hope the Pope rejected the gift.”
• “I’m glad we keep sending this guy money and weapons.”

Zelenskyy has already faced criticism for his attacks on Ukraine’s Orthodox Church, and this latest incident only adds to the perception that he is a hater of Christianity. While it is unclear what was in Zelenskyy’s heart when he presented the painting to the pope, it is clear that the gift was far from appropriate. A symbol of peace would have been a more fitting gift, and this painting has only served to further damage Ukraine’s reputation.