Volodymyr Zelensky and Pope Leo XIV discussed achieving peace in Ukraine

pope Leo XIV and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a telephone conversation on April 3, 2026. During the conversation, the pontiff expressed his deep support for the Ukrainian people and called on the international community to cooperate actively in order to put an end to hostilities as soon as possible and establish a «just and lasting peace».

According to the official representative office of the President of Ukraine, the main topic of the dialog was the difficult humanitarian situation in the region. The head of the Roman Catholic Church emphasized the urgent need for all the required assistance to reach the people suffering from the conflict. Separately, the sides discussed efforts to promote humanitarian initiatives, including the important issue of the release of prisoners.

In addition to discussing the crisis agenda, Leo XIV congratulated the Head of State on Easter holidays. Concluding the conversation, the Pontiff expressed hope that thanks to the «commitments and cooperation of the international community» the bloodshed will be stopped. It is worth noting that earlier, Ukraine donated traditional Easter cakes to the head of the Vatican as part of a diplomatic and cultural exchange.