Vatican confirms conversation between Pope Leo XIV and Zelensky, president of Ukraine

The Vatican confirmed Monday that Pope Leo XIV held a telephone conversation with the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky. The Holy See just confirmed the contact without offering more details.

For his part, the Ukrainian president shared in his official account in the social network X: “It was our first conversation, but already very warm and deep. I thanked his holiness for his support for Ukraine and all our people.”

Zelensky also expressed his gratitude for the Pope’s words during the prayer of Regina Coeli On Sunday, May 11, in which the Pontiff asked to end the conflicts that continue to bleed Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, and claimed to carry in his heart the suffering “of the beloved Ukrainian people.”

The president seconded the call of the Pope, underlining the urgency of achieving “a fair and lasting peace for our country and the liberation of the prisoners.”

He also reported that during the conversation they addressed the drama of the thousands of Ukrainian children deported by Russia. “Ukraine has the help of the Vatican to take them back with their families,” said Zelensky.

In addition, he reported that the Pope was informed of the agreement reached between Ukraine and his international partners to initiate a total and unconditional fire for at least 30 days.

Zelensky also reiterated the willingness of Ukraine to continue negotiations “in any format, including direct conversations, a position that we have reiterated on multiple occasions.”

Finally, the Ukrainian President said that he has invited Pope Leo XIV to make an apostolic visit to Ukraine. “Such a visit would bring true hope to all believers and all our people. We have agreed to keep in touch and organize a personal encounter in the near future,” he concluded.