Today at 01:03
Following the inaugural Mass, Pope Leo XIV held a private audience with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska — his first audience with heads of state.
The President congratulated Pope Leo XIV on the beginning of his pontificate, noting that he represents hope for millions of people longing for peace.
Volodymyr and Olena Zelenskyy expressed their gratitude for the Pope’s support for Ukraine and his calls for a just and lasting peace, the release of prisoners, and the return of abducted children. How to achieve these goals as soon as possible was a central topic of discussion during the audience.
The President emphasized that the authority and voice of the Holy See could play a crucial role in ending the war.
Zelenskyy informed the Pope about negotiations in Istanbul and thanked the Vatican for its willingness to serve as a platform for direct talks between Ukraine and Russia. He reiterated Ukraine’s readiness to engage in negotiations in any format for the sake of real results.
Special attention was given to facilitating the release of prisoners and the return of children. Pope Leo XIV assured that he would make every possible effort in this regard.
Olena Zelenska also expressed her gratitude for the treatment of Ukrainian children at the Bambino Gesù hospital and called for continued support for those in need.
The President and the First Lady invited the Pontiff to make an apostolic visit to Ukraine.
Read also: Pope Leo XIV Officially Assumes the Office of Pontiff
