Pope Leo XIV Meets with President and First Lady of Ukraine

Pope Leo XIV recently held an audience with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska, marking the first meeting with heads of state. During the meeting, President Zelenskyy congratulated the Pope on the beginning of his pontificate and emphasized the hope he represents for millions longing for peace. Discussions centered on the Pope’s support for Ukraine, calls for peace, release of prisoners, and the return of children, with a focus on achieving these goals promptly.

President Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of the Holy See’s involvement in ending the ongoing conflict, briefing the Pontiff on negotiations in Istanbul and expressing gratitude for the Vatican’s willingness to facilitate direct talks between Ukraine and Russia. The President reiterated Ukraine’s readiness for negotiations in any format to achieve tangible outcomes, particularly in facilitating the release of prisoners and the return of Ukrainian children.

Pope Leo XIV pledged to do everything possible to assist in these efforts, while the First Lady expressed gratitude for the treatment of Ukrainian children at the Bambino Gesù pediatric hospital. The President and First Lady also extended an invitation to the Pontiff to visit Ukraine apostolically, further strengthening the ties between the two entities.