Zelenskyy holds first conversation with newly elected Pope, plans personal meeting

He made the statement on social networks.

Zelenskyy noted that this was his first conversation with the new Pope, but, according to him, “very warm and truly substantive.”

"I thanked His Holiness for his support of Ukraine and all our people. We deeply value his words about the need to achieve a just and lasting peace for our country and the release of prisoners," Zelenskyy added.

The President said that he spoke with the Pope about thousands of Ukrainian children deported by Russia. He noted that Ukraine is counting on the Vatican's assistance in returning them home, to their families.

The Ukrainian leader also informed about the agreement between Ukraine and its partners that a full, unconditional ceasefire should begin today for at least 30 days, and confirmed readiness for further negotiations in any format, including direct negotiations.

"Ukraine wants to end this war and is doing everything to achieve that. We now await similar steps from Russia," the president stressed.

He also invited the Pope to make an apostolic visit to Ukraine. According to Zelenskyy, such a visit would bring real hope to all believers.

"We agreed to stay in contact and plan in-person meeting in the near future," the Ukrainian president stated.

• On Thursday, May 8, the cardinals elected a new Pope on the third attempt: Robert Francis Prevost from the United States, who took the name of Leo XIV.