President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Holy See's Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.
The Head of State thanked him for his visit, his attention, and his prayers for Ukraine. The Archbishop arrived in Ukraine several days ago, visited one of Kyiv's districts where people were killed in a Russian attack, and conveyed Pope Leo XIV's words of support.
Paul Richard Gallagher noted that the Holy See's delegation witnessed the Russian attack on the night of July 19 and the dangers the Ukrainian people go through.
The President thanked His Holiness and the Vatican for their constant prayers and support for Ukraine and our people.
"We are very grateful that Cardinal Matteo Zuppi was here on Ukrainian Statehood Day. And, of course, we are looking forward to Pope Leo's visit. It could be a truly historic moment — above all, a moment of support," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
During the meeting, the parties discussed diplomatic efforts to bring Russia's war against Ukraine to an end, as well as talks with U.S. partners. The President thanked the Vatican for its readiness to host a meeting at the leaders' level and to continue making every effort to help make it happen.
The Head of State also expressed his special gratitude to the Vatican for its assistance in returning Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. Ukraine hopes to accelerate the return of civilians, especially children whom Russia is illegally holding in captivity.
They also discussed the work of the Church in Ukraine and the support that clergy provide to Ukrainians. The Archbishop thanked the Ukrainian authorities for transferring St. Nicholas Church in Kyiv to the Roman Catholic community for its use.
Paul Richard Gallagher reaffirmed the Vatican's support for Ukraine's path toward membership in the European Union.