Volodymyr Zelenskyy Discussed a "Just Peace" with a Vatican Representative

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, to discuss diplomatic efforts to end Russian aggression and achieve a just peace. Viktor Yelensky, head of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience, also took part in the talks, according to the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESC).

During the visit, Archbishop Gallagher conveyed words of support from the Vatican and personally witnessed the consequences of Russian aggression, having seen the shelling of Kyiv firsthand. President Zelenskyy thanked the Vatican for its ongoing prayerful and humanitarian support and specifically highlighted the Holy See’s efforts in the process of returning Ukrainian children who had been illegally taken by Russia.

One of the key topics of discussion was the prospects for cooperation: Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s readiness to use the Vatican as a platform for dialogue at the leadership level. In addition, the parties addressed issues related to church activities in Ukraine, including the transfer of St. Nicholas Church in Kyiv to the Roman Catholic community. The Vatican also officially confirmed its support for Ukraine’s European aspirations and its pursuit of European Union membership.

“We are very grateful for the support and look forward to the Pope’s visit, which would be a historic moment for the entire Ukrainian people,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized during the meeting.

As a reminder, we previously reported that there are plans to transfer another historic church in Odesa to Ukrainian Roman Catholics.