President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with Pope Leo XIV. It was His Holiness' first phone call with a foreign leader.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election to the See of Saint Peter and thanked him for the support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.
The President expressed gratitude for the words of His Holiness during the first Sunday Blessing in St. Peter's Square about the need to achieve a just, true, and lasting peace for Ukraine and the release of prisoners.
The Head of State informed that Russia has deported and illegally transferred thousands of Ukrainian children. Ukraine is counting on the Vatican’s assistance in bringing them home. Pope Leo XIV assured that the Holy See would continue its efforts to resolve all humanitarian issues.
The conversation focused in detail on peace efforts. Volodymyr Zelenskyy briefed His Holiness on the agreement between Ukraine and international partners that a full and unconditional ceasefire, lasting at least 30 days, must begin today. He also reaffirmed Ukraine’s readiness for further negotiations in any format, including direct talks, which our state has repeatedly emphasized. The President stressed that Ukraine wants to end the war, is doing everything to achieve this, and awaits corresponding steps from Russia.
The Head of State invited His Holiness to make an apostolic visit to Ukraine, stressing that such a visit could bring real hope to the Ukrainian people.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Pope Leo XIV agreed to remain in contact and to plan a personal meeting in the near future.