Zelensky Invites Pope Leo XIV to Ukraine as a Sign of Peace Support

On May 12, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held his first phone conversation with the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, during which he invited the pontiff to visit Ukraine. This was reported by LB.ua.

“It was our first call, but already very warm and meaningful. I expressed gratitude for the support of Ukraine and our people, as well as for His Holiness’s words about the importance of achieving a just and lasting peace for our country and the release of prisoners,” Zelensky stated on his Telegram channel.

The President added that the conversation also addressed the issue of thousands of Ukrainian children deported by Russia. He emphasized the importance of the Vatican’s assistance in facilitating their return home.

“I informed him that, starting from May 12, a full and unconditional ceasefire is set to begin for at least 30 days, as agreed between Ukraine and our partners. I also reaffirmed Ukraine’s readiness for further negotiations in any format, including direct talks. Ukraine wants to end this war and is doing everything possible to achieve that. We expect reciprocal steps from Russia,” the President added.

Zelensky also stressed that he had invited the Pope to make an apostolic visit to Ukraine, noting that such a visit “would be a true symbol of hope for believers and for all Ukrainians.”

It is worth noting that Ukraine’s ambassador to the Holy See, Andrii Yurash, has also commented on the Vatican’s relations with the Russian Orthodox Church in light of recent political and ecclesiastical changes. According to him, despite the difficult circumstances, the Vatican continues its dialogue with Moscow, relying on decades of diplomatic tradition that began in the mid-19th century during the time of the Papal States.