Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations, to discuss diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine and potential talks with U.S. partners. Zelenskyy thanked Gallagher for visiting Ukraine, as well as Pope Leo XIV and the Vatican for their prayers and support. Gallagher said the Holy See’s delegation witnessed a Russian attack on the night of July 19 and had seen the dangers faced by Ukrainian civilians. The Ukrainian president also expressed appreciation for the Vatican’s readiness to host a meeting of leaders and assist efforts to organize it. The two sides discussed the return of Ukrainian civilians and children whom Kyiv says Russia is holding, along with the role of churches and clergy in supporting Ukrainians. Zelenskyy said Ukraine was looking forward to a possible visit by Pope Leo XIV, describing it as a potentially historic moment of support. Gallagher also reaffirmed the Vatican’s backing for Ukraine’s path toward European Union membership and thanked Ukrainian authorities for transferring St. Nicholas Church in Kyiv for use by the Roman Catholic community. Post navigation Ukraine Warns of Ballistic Missile Threat OSCE Representatives Back Ukraine Support