Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has extended a formal invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit Ukraine during their first phone conversation on Monday. Zelensky also expressed gratitude to the newly elected pontiff for advocating peace in the war-torn country.
“I invited His Holiness to make an apostolic visit to Ukraine. Such a visit would bring real hope to all believers, to all our people,” Zelensky shared on social media.
During the call, the Ukrainian leader highlighted the plight of thousands of Ukrainian children who have been deported by Russia, and appealed for the Vatican’s assistance in securing their return.
The conversation followed Pope Leo’s first public address on Sunday, where he stood on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and urged an end to global conflicts, calling for a “genuine, just and lasting peace” in Ukraine—echoing the sentiments of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Although Pope Francis never visited Ukraine, the Vatican played a role under his leadership in mediating prisoner exchanges and efforts to bring back children taken from occupied regions. Francis faced criticism for not explicitly condemning Russia’s invasion and controversially suggesting that Ukraine consider raising the “white flag.”
Zelensky noted that he briefed Pope Leo XIV on a joint ceasefire proposal by Ukraine and its allies. He added that the two leaders agreed to organize a face-to-face meeting soon.
