Pope Leo XIV and Zelensky discuss paths to peace at the Vatican
Pope Leo XIV met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, at the Vatican. Earlier, the Ukrainian leader attended the inauguration of the pope's pontificate.
What do you need to know?
- Pope Leo XIV received the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, at the Vatican. This occurred following the inauguration of the pope's pontificate.
- The Italian newspaper "La Repubblica" reports that the pope plans to visit Ukraine, Turkey, and Peru, although the dates for the visits have not yet been determined.
- Leo XIV, the first pope from the United States, was elected in a conclave that lasted 24 hours.
Pope Leo XIV met President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky at the Vatican on Sunday. This was their first meeting, occurring six days after a phone conversation during which the president invited the pope to Ukraine.
"For millions of people around the world, the Pontiff is a symbol of hope for peace. The authority and voice of the Holy See can play an important role in bringing this war to an end. We thank the Vatican for its willingness to serve as a platform for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia," Zelensky wrote on social media.
"We are ready for dialogue in any format for the sake of tangible results. We appreciate the support for Ukraine and the clear voice in defense of a just and lasting peace," he emphasised.
At the end of Sunday's mass, Leo XIV said that "the tormented Ukraine" is waiting for negotiations for a just and lasting peace.
Will the pope visit Ukraine?
The Italian newspaper "La Repubblica" stated that Pope Leo XIV plans to visit Ukraine, Turkey, and Peru. The dates have not yet been confirmed.
The inauguration of Leo XIV's pontificate attracted tens of thousands of faithful to the Vatican, along with numerous delegations from around the world. Among those present were the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, and the Vice President of the USA, J.D. Vance.
