Pope Leo XIV Meets with Ukraine President Zelenskyy Discussing Return of Ukrainian Children and Need for Lasting Peace

🕊️ Historic Meeting: Pope Leo XIV and President Zelenskyy at Castel Gandolfo

Pope Leo XIV extended a warm reception to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. The central focus of their discussion was the devastating war in Ukraine and the critical matter of ensuring the safe return of Ukrainian children who have been taken to Russia.

Vatican News reported that the encounter took place on the morning of 9 December.

The Holy See Press Office released a communiqué characterizing the meeting as cordial. It confirmed that the discussions primarily revolved around the conflict in Ukraine.

During their dialogue, the Pope reaffirmed the necessity of continuous dialogue and emphatically conveyed his “urgent hope that ongoing diplomatic efforts will lead to a just and lasting peace.”

The two heads of state also addressed the challenging issue of prisoners of war and urged action to secure the safe return of Ukrainian children to their families.

This visit occurred exactly five months after their previous private audience at the residence at Castel Gandolfo, where similar subjects were deliberated.

In the July meeting, Pope Leo, who had only been elected to the papacy two months prior, conveyed his profound sorrow for the victims of the war and guaranteed the people of Ukraine his sustained prayers.

The Holy Father had also restated the Vatican’s readiness to serve as a host for potential negotiations involving both Ukraine and Russia.

After the session, President Zelenskyy spoke to journalists in English, conveying his gratitude for the audience and the Pope’s backing, particularly concerning the repatriation of Ukrainian children, describing it as “a very important question.”