The Pope Leo XIV and President Zelensky had their first phonecall, details of which Zelenskey posted on social media.
It was our first conversation, but already a very warm and truly substantive one. I thanked His Holiness for his support of Ukraine and all our people. We deeply value his words about the need to achieve a just and lasting peace for our country and the release of prisoners.
The two leaders also discussed the issue of Ukrainian children deported to Russia, a mission entrusted to Cardinal Zuppi by Pope Francis, and it remains to be seen how Pope Leo XIV will continue this work.
It is clear, however, that peace in Ukraine is one of the new Pope's priorities. He addressed this in his first Regina Coeli message on May 11, 2025.
LEO XIV
I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people. May everything be done to quickly achieve true, just, and lasting peace. May all prisoners be freed, and may the children return to their families.
Zelensky also invited Pope Leo XIV to visit Ukraine, noting that such an apostolic visit would bring hope to both believers and the whole of the Ukrainian population.
CA
Trans. CRT
