Pope speaks out on Ukraine peace following Zelenskyy talks
Photo: Zelenskyy meets with Pope Leo XIV (GettyImages)
After meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on December 9, Pope Leo XIV called for a just peace in Ukraine, according to the Holy See.
"During the cordial talks, which focused on the war in Ukraine, the Holy Father reiterated the need for the continuation of dialogue and expressed his urgent desire that the current diplomatic initiatives bring about a just and lasting peace," the statement says.
The issue of prisoners of war and the need to ensure the return of Ukrainian children to their families was also mentioned.
Zelenskyy's visit to Rome
Today, December 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is on an official visit to Rome.
One of the meetings was an audience with Pope Leo XIV, which lasted 30 minutes in a closed format. The Holy Father received the Ukrainian leader at his residence in Castel Gandolfo.
After the official part of the meeting, Zelenskyy and the Pope went out onto the balcony of the residence, greeted journalists, but did not make any statements to the press.
As part of his visit, Zelenskyy is also scheduled to meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
