Pope Leo XIV and President Volodymyr Zelensky (ANSA)
Pope meets with Ukrainian President
Pope Leo XIV and President Volodymyr Zelensky discuss the
war in Ukraine, the return of forcibly deported Ukrainian children, and the
Holy See’s continued support for dialogue and peace.
By Francesca Merlo
On Tuesday afternoon, Pope Leo XIV received Ukrainian
President Volodymyr Zelensky in a private audience at the papal residence of
Castel Gandolfo. The meeting focused on the ongoing war in Ukraine and the
pressing need to pursue peace through dialogue.
According to a statement released by the Holy See Press
Office, the conversation centred on efforts to end hostilities and find a just
and lasting solution to the war in Ukraine. The Pope expressed his sorrow for
the victims of the war and assured the Ukrainian people of his prayers and
continued closeness.
The Holy Father also encouraged efforts aimed at the release
of prisoners and the recovery of children who have been separated from their
families. He reiterated the Vatican’s willingness to welcome representatives of
both Ukraine and Russia to the Vatican for potential negotiations.
Following the meeting, President Zelensky briefly addressed
journalists in English. “I’m very happy for His Holiness - for this meeting,
for hosting us,” he said. He thanked the Pope and the Vatican for their
support, especially regarding the issue of Ukrainian children taken to Russia
during the war. “This is a very important question. We spoke about it,” he
said, stressing the need to return the children to their relatives in Ukraine.
President Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to
achieving peace. “Of course we want peace, we want the war to be finished,” he
said. “We very much count on the Vatican and His Holiness to help provide a
place for a high-level meeting of leaders to end this war.”
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