Pope Leo XIV to Journalists about Meeting with Zelenskyy says "The main topic is the war, how to seek an agreement, a ceasefire" and about his Visit to the Mosque

Pope Leo XIV at Castel Gandolfo, answers journalists' questions outside Villa Barberini. Concerning today's audience with Ukrainian President Zelensky, he explains that the focus was on the issue of repatriating children: "It's a slow, behind-the-scenes effort." He reiterates that the Holy See is available to host negotiations, and regarding a hypothetical trip to Kiev, he says: "I hope so, but we must be realistic." According to the Pontiff, excluding Europe from peace talks is "not realistic."

 Then he spoke about the Apostolic Palace and visited Sultan Ahmed, the "Blue Mosque" in Istanbul. Like every Tuesday, Leo XIV concluded his day of rest and work at Castel Gandolfo with a meeting with a group of journalists waiting outside Villa Barberini.

The Pontiff, greeted by cheers from the crowd gathered in the street, answered questions on current events, starting with this morning's audience at Castel Gandolfo with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. "The main topic is the war, how to seek an agreement, a ceasefire. We spoke specifically about the issue of kidnapped children, prisoners, and how the Church can help bring children back to Ukraine, especially," the Pope explained.

He then reiterated that "the Holy See is available to offer space and opportunities for negotiations and negotiations." "The offer has not yet been accepted, but we are available to seek a solution and a lasting and just peace," Leo XIV remarked. Regarding Zelensky's repeated invitation to visit Ukraine—a "strong signal of support for the population," as the president wrote today in X —Pope Leo responded: "I hope so, I don't know when. We must also be realistic about these things; perhaps it can be done."
Abducted Ukrainian children

Again on Ukraine, the Pontiff clarifies that the Holy See's work on the return of Ukrainian children "is unfortunately very slow" and "is being done behind the scenes." "Therefore, I prefer not to comment, but to continue working on this, to try to bring those children back to their homes, to their families," he states. He also declines to comment on the peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, explaining that he hasn't read it in full yet. "Unfortunately, I believe that some parts of what I have seen bring about a huge change in what for many, many years has been a true alliance between Europe and the United States. The comments made about Europe, even in recent interviews, I believe are attempting to dismantle what I believe should be a very important alliance today and in the future."
 Europe's key role

And the Pope then focused on Europe's role in the peace process, called into question by Trump. It was an issue he had already addressed on the return flight from Beirut to Rome during his recent apostolic journey. "I think Europe's role is very important, and the unity of European countries is truly significant, especially in this case," he emphasized. "Seeking a peace agreement without including Europe in the discussions is unrealistic. The war is in Europe, and I think Europe must be part of the security guarantees being sought today and in the future." "Unfortunately," the Pope added, "not everyone understands this, but I think there is a very great opportunity for the idea of ​​Europe uniting and seeking solutions together."
Visiting the Blue Mosque in Istanbul

Regarding his trip Turkey and Lebanon, the Pontiff dwells—in response to journalists' questions—on his visit to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, which he experienced "in silence, in a spirit of recollection and listening, with profound respect for the place and the faith of those gathered there in prayer," as reported that day by the Holy See Press Office. The reporters' question is why he didn't pray "at least visibly" as his predecessors had done. "But who said I didn't pray? I mean, they said I didn't pray, but I gave an answer on the plane. I mentioned a book ( The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence). It may be that I'm praying even now." "I prefer to pray in a Catholic Church in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament," Pope Leo concludes, deeming what was reported about that moment in the Mosque "curious."
Transfer to the Apostolic Palace

In conclusion, more personal questions included one about his move to the Vatican Apostolic Palace. As is well known, the Pope still lives in his apartment in the Holy Office. When will he move to the papal apartment, and with whom? "There's no date yet. I'm happy where I live, in the Holy Office," the Pope replies, explaining that his personal secretaries are currently living with him: "There won't be anyone else."
Source: Vatican News Italian https://www.vaticannews.va/it/papa/news/2025-12/castel-gandolfo-papa-leone-xiv-giornalisti-pace-vaticano.html - Image Screenshot