When Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, welcomed Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda to the Vatican March 3, Russia's war on Ukraine was a key topic on the agenda.

Nauseda, whose nation borders Russia, has been a strong defender of Ukraine, emphasizing that any negotiations with Vladimir Putin must include Ukraine and guarantee its security.

Although Pope Francis has been hospitalized since Feb. 14, celebrations for the Holy Year 2025 have continued, and Nauseda came to Rome as part of a national Jubilee pilgrimage sponsored by the Lithuanian bishops' conference.

But he also was scheduled to meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to continue discussions about assisting Ukraine and ending the war.

Leaving his fellow Lithuanian pilgrims temporarily, the president met with Cardinal Parolin and Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, the Vatican foreign minister.

"During the cordial discussion, which took place at the Secretariat of State, satisfaction was expressed for the good and fruitful bilateral relations, highlighting the positive contribution of the Christian faith to Lithuanian society," said a communique released by the Vatican after the meeting.

"The parties focused on questions of a regional and international nature, with particular reference to the prospects for peace in Ukraine," it said.