In a historic first conversation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has extended an official invitation to newly elected Pope Leo XIV to visit Ukraine, expressing hope that such a visit would serve as a powerful symbol of peace and solidarity amid ongoing war.
“I invited His Holiness to make an apostolic visit to Ukraine,” Zelensky wrote on social media following the call. “Such a visit would bring real hope to all believers, to all our people.”
The call marked the beginning of direct dialogue between the Ukrainian leader and Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded Pope Francis and has already made global headlines with his firm call to end hostilities in Ukraine. Addressing thousands from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica during his first public blessing on Sunday, Leo XIV had declared: “No more war!”, appealing for a “genuine, just, and lasting peace” — words that resonated strongly in Kyiv.
Focus on War Crimes and Peace Diplomacy
During the conversation, President Zelensky also raised the issue of thousands of Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia, a move widely condemned by international human rights organizations. He expressed hope that the Vatican would play a key role in facilitating their return.
“We count on the Holy See’s moral and diplomatic weight in bringing our children home,” Zelensky stated.
While Pope Francis, Leo’s predecessor, had faced criticism in Ukraine for his perceived neutrality and controversial comments encouraging Kyiv to “raise the white flag,” the Vatican had nonetheless played a behind-the-scenes role in prisoner exchanges and limited humanitarian mediation.
Ceasefire Proposal and Future Meeting
Zelensky revealed that he also informed the pontiff of a joint ceasefire initiative being advanced by Ukraine and its allies. According to the Ukrainian president, both leaders agreed to explore opportunities for a face-to-face meeting in the near future.
The invitation comes amid growing calls for renewed international mediation to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, now entering its third year.
Pope Leo XIV has yet to publicly respond to the invitation, but his vocal support for peace and concern for the victims of war suggest that the Holy See may soon deepen its engagement in one of the world’s most pressing conflicts.
