Zelenskyy meets Pope Leo XIV in Castel Gandolfo

According to some media reports, Zelenskyy has already left the Villa Barberini in Castel Gandolfo after meeting with the Pope. The meeting reportedly lasted about 30 minutes.

After that, Zelenskyy and the Pope took several photos.

What came before

Zelenskyy arrived in Rome today on an official visit. He has several meetings scheduled. During the visit, he had a planned meeting with the Pope and Giorgia Meloni.

Zelenskyy's previous visit to Rome took place this summer. He held a meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

The Vatican is increasing its attention to international efforts to end the war against Ukraine. In particular, it emphasizes the need for an active role of European countries in creating a sustainable peace solution.

Pope Leo XIV expressed support for Ukraine after Russia's large-scale attacks on energy infrastructure. He called for prayers for a "just and lasting peace" for the people facing serious challenges.

The new Pope supports Ukraine

Leo XIV (secular name Robert Francis Prevost, an American cardinal) became Pope on May 8 of this year. During one of his first masses, he mentioned Ukraine and the war, and in May, he directly accused Russia of imperialism and urged it to lay down its arms. Notably, his predecessor, Francis, did not make such statements.

In August, Pope Leo XIV called for an end to hostilities and for immediate negotiations to begin. It was assumed that they could take place in the Vatican, but Russia strongly opposed it.