President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had an audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Papal Palace in Castel Gandolfo.
The Head of State expressed his gratitude to His Holiness for the support and every prayer for peace in Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is ready to hold meetings at the level of leaders at the Vatican in order to stop Russian aggression and achieve a stable, lasting, and genuine peace. However, Russia continues to reject this proposal, as it has turned down all other peace initiatives. The Pontiff confirmed the Vatican’s willingness to host peace negotiations.
The President noted that Ukraine will continue to strengthen global solidarity so that diplomacy can succeed.
The Head of State expressed special thanks to the Pope for his support of Ukrainian children, particularly those who have been returned from Russian captivity. Ukraine is grateful for the hospitality and sincerity with which Ukrainian children are received for rehabilitation and rest in Italy.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and His Holiness discussed the Vatican’s continued efforts to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
The Head of State spoke to the Pope about the respect that Ukrainian society holds for Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, for his actions, including the rescue of Jews during the Second World War and his defense of the Christian faith. The President expressed hope that Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky’s contributions will receive the recognition they deserve.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited His Holiness to make his first Apostolic Visit to Ukraine.
This was the second audience of the Ukrainian President with Pope Leo XIV. The first one took place on the day of the Pontiff’s inaugural Mass. That meeting was also notable as the first audience Pope Leo XIV granted to a Head of State.
