VATICAN CITY, Feb. 3, 2025 – Nine-year-old Roman Oleksiv, a young Ukrainian war survivor, met Pope Francis for the third time at the Vatican, accompanied by representatives of “Alliance Unbroken Kids,” an initiative dedicated to supporting children affected by war.
Roman was just seven years old when Russian Kalibr missiles struck Vinnytsia, Ukraine, on July 14, 2022, killing 28 people, including his mother, and injuring more than 200 others. He miraculously survived the attack, suffering severe burns, and has since become a symbol of resilience. His road to recovery has been arduous, involving intensive care, skin grafts, eardrum reconstruction, and extensive rehabilitation. Despite these hardships, Roman wears his scars with pride, once donning a full-body compression garment that made him resemble a superhero.
His recovery journey led him from Ukraine to Germany, where he underwent multiple surgeries. Through his strength and perseverance, he later shared his story in the documentary series Children of War.
A Special Bond with Pope Francis
Roman first met Pope Francis on December 6, 2023, during a general audience when he handed the Pope a heartfelt letter before embracing him. Their second meeting occurred on May 25, 2024, at World Children’s Day. Today, in their third encounter, Roman returned to the Vatican without the gloves and mask that once concealed his injuries. In an emotional moment, he rested his head on the Pope’s shoulder, symbolizing his resilience and the healing power of faith and support.
An Alliance for War-Affected Children
Roman’s visit to the Vatican was part of his involvement with Alliance Unbroken Kids, an initiative launched during the Vatican’s International Summit on Children’s Rights. This project unites Italy’s National Confederation of Misericordie, the Unbroken Foundation, which aids war victims in Ukraine, and the 5P Europe Foundation, which promotes global peace.
These organizations have pledged to provide material and psychological assistance to children suffering from the devastating effects of war. Their mission aligns with Pope Francis’ continued advocacy for peace and his condemnation of war’s impact on the most vulnerable.
A Witness of Hope
During the audience, Pope Francis listened intently to the testimonies of the delegation and viewed a presentation on their work. While others brought books and drawings, Roman brought only his presence—no longer hidden beneath protective garments, but standing as a living testament to resilience and hope.
His embrace of the Pope was deeply significant. As Pope Francis reiterated earlier in the day at the summit, war is a “crime” against the most vulnerable. Yet, through Roman’s journey of survival and strength, a message of hope continues to shine through the darkness of conflict.
Society of Jesus' social apostolate 