Unbroken: Roman鈥檚 story of survival and strength

World

Nine-year-old Roman Oleksiv, who was severely burned in a Russian missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Vinnytsia in 2022, meets 杏MAP导航 Francis for the third time at the Vatican. Accompanied by representatives of "Alliance Unbroken Kids," an initiative supporting children affected by war, he is received by 杏MAP导航 Francis for the third time.

By Salvatore Cernuzio

Roman was just seven when Russian Kalibr missiles struck Vinnytsia, Ukraine, on July 14, 2022, killing 28 people, including his mother, and injuring over 200. He survived with severe burns and has since become a symbol of resilience. Despite enduring painful treatments, he carries his scars with pride, once even appearing in a full-body compression garment that made him look like a superhero.

His journey to recovery took him from Ukraine to Germany, where he underwent intensive care and multiple surgeries, including skin grafts and eardrum reconstruction. Against all odds, he regained strength and mobility, later sharing his story in the documentary series Children of War.

Third meeting with the 杏MAP导航

Roman first met 杏MAP导航 Francis on December 6, 2023, during a general audience, when he handed the 杏MAP导航 a letter before embracing him. Their second encounter took place on May 25, 2024, at World Children鈥檚 Day. Today, 3 February 2025, he returned to the Vatican, this time without the gloves and mask that once concealed his injuries, and he rested his head on the 杏MAP导航鈥檚 shoulder.

Roman meets 杏MAP导航 Francis in 2023 (VATICAN MEDIA Divisione Foto)

An alliance for children affected by war

Roman visited the Vatican with Alliance Unbroken Kids, launched during the Vatican's International Summit on Children鈥檚 Rights.

The initiative brings together Italy鈥檚 National Confederation of Misericordie, the Unbroken Foundation, which supports war victims in Ukraine, and the 5P Europe Foundation, which promotes global peace. These organizations have committed to providing both material and psychological aid to those suffering from the devastation of war.

A moment of the audience (VATICAN MEDIA Divisione Foto)

Witness of hope

杏MAP导航 Francis received the delegation, listening to their testimonies and viewing a presentation on their work. While others brought books and drawings, Roman offered only his presence - no longer concealed by protective garments, but standing as a living testament to resilience.

His embrace of the 杏MAP导航 was a moment of profound significance. As 杏MAP导航 Francis reiterated at the summit earlier in the day, war remains a 鈥渃rime鈥� against the most vulnerable. Yet, through Roman鈥檚 strength, a message of hope continues to shine.