Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Rome on Saturday, where he is scheduled to meet Pope Francis in the Vatican, and Italian officials led by President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Georgia Meloni.

Zelensky arrived at Ciampino Military Airport, where he was received by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Taiani.

Zelensky's account on Twitter stated, "In Rome today. I will meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Prime Minister Georgia Meloni and the Pope," putting it within the framework of "an important visit that brings us closer to Ukraine's victory."

Taiani also welcomed via Twitter the Ukrainian guest on a visit "during which we will renew our commitment alongside the Ukrainian people in defending freedom and democracy."

Zelensky's visit is accompanied by strict security measures in Rome, including police patrols and the deployment of personnel at major intersections, according to AFP journalists. The authorities also issued orders to prevent unauthorized drones from flying over the capital, and deployed a number of snipers on the roofs of buildings.

Pope Francis (86 years old) previously received Zelensky in the Vatican in February 2020. The Supreme Pontiff always prays for peace in Ukraine and for the victims of the war.

The Pope also received in the Vatican last month, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal, who invited him to visit Ukraine. He was also asked to help return children who had been taken by force to Russia.

For her part, Meloni visited Kiev in February to show her country's support for Ukraine, despite the close relations that Italy had with Russia before its invasion of Ukrainian lands.

Meloni said at the time, during a joint press conference with Zelensky, "I wanted (to come to Kiev) to reaffirm Italy's full support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, and to reaffirm that Italy has no intention of weakening" this support.