Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday invited Pope Leo XIV to visit Ukraine during their first phone call, where he also expressed gratitude to the new pontiff for advocating peace in the war-torn nation.
“I invited His Holiness to make an apostolic visit to Ukraine. Such a visit would bring real hope to all believers, to all our people,” Zelensky wrote on social media.
During the call, the two leaders discussed the plight of thousands of Ukrainian children reportedly deported by Russia. Zelensky said Ukraine was relying on the Vatican’s assistance to help bring them back home.
The Pope had called for an end to the war during his first public address on Sunday, urging a “genuine, just and lasting peace” from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica. His message echoed that of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who faced criticism for not explicitly condemning Russia’s invasion and controversially suggesting Ukraine should raise the “white flag.”
Despite the criticism, Kyiv had acknowledged the Vatican’s role in mediating prisoner exchanges and aiding in the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia from occupied territories.
Zelensky added that he informed Pope Leo about a joint ceasefire proposal put forward by Ukraine and its allies. He also confirmed that both sides had agreed to arrange an in-person meeting in the near future.
