Pope Leo XIV and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have held their first phone conversation since the pope’s appeal for peace in Ukraine during his Regina Coeli address. The phone call, confirmed by Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, came after Pope Leo XIV expressed deep concern for the suffering of the Ukrainian people.
During the Sunday address delivered from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV said, “I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people,” urging that “every effort be made to reach a true, just, and lasting peace as soon as possible.” He also appealed for the release of prisoners and the safe return of children to their families, recalling the devastation of World War II, which ended 80 years ago on May 8.
President Zelensky, in a post on X, expressed appreciation for the pope’s support, saying, “We deeply value his words about the need to achieve a just and lasting peace for our country and the release of prisoners.” Zelensky noted that they also discussed “the thousands of Ukrainian children deported by Russia,” underscoring that “Ukraine counts on the Vatican’s assistance in bringing them home to their families.”
The president emphasized that he informed Pope Leo XIV about a newly agreed-upon ceasefire between Ukraine and its partners, set to last for at least 30 days. “Ukraine wants to end this war and is doing everything to achieve that,” Zelensky said, adding that the nation awaits similar steps from Russia.
During the phone call, President Zelensky also invited Pope Leo XIV to make an Apostolic Journey to Ukraine, a gesture he said “would bring real hope to all believers and to all our people.” The two leaders agreed to maintain communication and plan an in-person meeting in the near future.
On Monday, Zelensky shared a photo of himself on the phone with the pope, calling the conversation “warm and truly substantive.”
The Vatican has not confirmed any planned visit to Ukraine by Pope Leo XIV but continues to call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the restoration of stability in the region.
