Zelenskyy visits Italy for major meetings with Pope Leo and PM Meloni
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (president.gov.ua)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Rome today on an official visit. He has a series of meetings planned, according to Zelenskyy's spokesperson Serhii Nikiforov.
Zelenskyy is scheduled to have an audience with Pope Leo XIV today, as well as a meeting with the President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic, Giorgia Meloni.
Zelenskyy's previous visit to Rome took place this summer. At that time, he met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
The Vatican is stepping up its focus on international efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine, emphasizing the need for European countries to play an active role in creating a lasting, peaceful solution.
Moreover, Pope Leo XIV expressed his support for Ukraine amid Russia's large-scale attacks on energy infrastructure. The pontiff called for prayers for just and lasting peace for a people facing serious trials.
New Pope supports Ukraine
Leo XIV (born Robert Francis Prevost, an American cardinal) became Pope on May 8, 2025. During one of his first masses, he mentioned Ukraine and the war, and later, in a May address, he directly accused Russia of imperialism and called on it to lay down its arms — unlike his predecessor, Francis, who did not make such statements.
At the end of August, the pontiff called for an end to hostilities and the immediate start of negotiations. It was assumed that they could take place in the Vatican, but Russia strongly opposed this.
In September, commenting on the Holy See's role in resolving the war, Leo XIV stressed that although the desire for peace remains an unwavering priority, the Vatican's participation as a direct mediator between the parties is currently unlikely.
