Pope Leo XIV Meets With President Zelensky in First Audience With Heads of State

Following the inauguration Mass, Pope Leo XIV held an audience with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska – the 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 who long for peace.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Olena Zelenska expressed their gratitude for the Pope’s support of Ukraine and for his call for a just and lasting peace, the release of prisoners, and the return of children. How to achieve these goals as soon as possible was a central topic of the discussion during the audience.

The Head of State emphasized that the authority and voice of the Holy See can play an important role in ending this war.

The President briefed the Pontiff on the negotiations in Istanbul and thanked the Vatican for its willingness to serve as a platform for direct talks between Ukraine and Russia. Volodymyr Zelenskyy once again reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready for negotiations in any format to achieve real results.

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Particular attention was given to efforts to facilitate the release of prisoners and the return of Ukrainian children. Pope Leo XIV assured that he would do everything possible to assist in this regard.

Olena Zelenska also expressed gratitude for the treatment of Ukrainian children at the Bambino Gesù pediatric hospital and called for continued support for those in need.

The President and First Lady extended an invitation to the Pontiff to make an apostolic visit to Ukraine.