Ukraine's President Zelensky has had an audience with the Pope during his visit to Rome.

Pope Francis gave the President a bronze sculpture representing an olive branch - Zelensky gave the Pope a work of art crafted from a bulletproof plate and a painting entitled “Loss” reflecting the deaths of children in the conflict.

During the meeting at the Apostolic Palace, they agreed on the requirement to continue providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

The Pope also highlighted the need for "gestures of humanity" towards the most fragile victims of the conflict.

Pope Francis assured the President of his constant prayers and President Zelensky said the visit was a 'great honour.'

A communique released by the Holy See press office said that following his meeting with the Pope, President Zelensky met Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Secretariat of State :

"During the cordial talks with H.E. Archbishop Gallagher, the focus was first of all on the current war in Ukraine and the urgent concerns associated with it, particularly those of humanitarian nature, as well as on the need to continue efforts to achieve peace. The occasion was also propitious to discuss a number of bilateral issues, especially concerning the life of the Catholic Church in the country."