Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday held his first phone call with newly appointed Pope Leo XIV, during which he invited the pontiff to visit Ukraine and thanked him for advocating peace in the war-torn country.
“I invited His Holiness to make an apostolic visit to Ukraine. Such a visit would bring real hope to all believers and to our entire nation,” Zelensky shared on social media.
During the conversation, the two leaders also addressed the plight of thousands of Ukrainian children who have been forcibly deported to Russia. Zelensky said Kyiv is counting on the Vatican’s support in securing their safe return.
Pope Leo XIV, speaking publicly for the first time from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, had called out for peace, declaring, “No more war!” and urging a “genuine, just, and lasting peace” in Ukraine—echoing the stance of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
While Francis was criticized by many in Ukraine for not clearly condemning Russia’s invasion and for suggesting Ukraine consider raising the “white flag,” the Vatican had still been recognized by Kyiv for its role in mediating prisoner exchanges and working to return deported children.
Zelensky also noted that he informed Pope Leo of a ceasefire proposal supported by Ukraine and its allies, and said both sides agreed to arrange an in-person meeting in the near future.