“I spoke with Pope Leo XIV. It was our first conversation, but it was already very warm and profound. I thanked His Holiness for his support of Ukraine and all our people.” Through his account on the social media platform X, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he had held a telephone conversation with the newly elected Pope. The call was confirmed by the director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni.

In a lengthy post, Zelensky expressed his deep gratitude for the Pope’s words during yesterday morning’s Regina Caeli “on the need to achieve a just and lasting peace for our country and the release of prisoners.” He also added that he spoke with the Pope “about the thousands of Ukrainian children deported by Russia.” “Ukraine is counting on the Vatican’s help in bringing them home to their families. I informed the Pope of the agreement between Ukraine and our partners, according to which, starting today, a complete and unconditional ceasefire must begin for at least 30 days,” the president wrote. “I also reiterated Ukraine’s willingness to continue negotiations in any format, including direct talks, a position we have repeatedly emphasized.”

In conclusion, Zelensky explained that he had 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 stay in touch and organize a personal meeting soon.”