Zelenskyy meets with Pope Leo XIV in Vatican to discuss paths to peace

The Holy See press service reports that this morning, the Pontiff received Volodymyr Zelenskyy for an audience at the Castel Gandolfo residence. The parties discussed the war in Ukraine and the urgent need to find lasting and just paths to peace.

“During a sincere conversation, the importance of dialogue as the best way to end hostilities was confirmed. The Holy Father expressed sorrow over the victims and renewed his prayers and closeness to the Ukrainian people, supporting every effort aimed at freeing prisoners and seeking common solutions,” the statement reads.

Pope Leo XIV also reaffirmed his readiness to host representatives of Russia and Ukraine in the Vatican for negotiations.

At the end of the meeting, Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a statement.

"I am very grateful to the Holy Father for this meeting, for receiving us, and, of course, for his assistance, for the Vatican’s help regarding our children: for help through prayers, but not only prayers, in the matter of returning our children abducted by Russia during this war, so they can return to their families in Ukraine. This is a very important issue we discussed. We also talked about another important point: that we silently desire peace, we want this war to end. And we very much hope that the Vatican and the Holy Father will be able to help provide a venue for a high-level leaders’ meeting to bring this war to an end. Thank you," the president of Ukraine said.

What preceded this?

The arrival of Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Rome was reported by Suspilne and RBC-Ukraine, citing their sources.

On July 10, the Italian capital is set to host another meeting of the “coalition of the willing,” where Zelenskyy is expected to take part.

According to Ukrinform, the visit program also includes a meeting between Zelenskyy and U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Keith Kellogg.

On July 10-11, Rome will host the fourth International Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2025), which will be attended by the Ukrainian president.