Pope Leo XIV expresses to Zelensky his urgent wish that dialogue leads to a just peace
Pope Leo XIV received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at his residence in Castel Gandolfo, outside Rome, on Tuesday
“During the cordial conversation, which focused on the war in Ukraine, the Holy Father reiterated the need to continue dialogue and renewed his urgent desire that the ongoing diplomatic initiatives may lead to a just and lasting peace," the Holy See Press Office reported.
The meeting was held at the papal residence of Castel Gandolfo, outside Rome. Zelensky arrived around 9:40 am local time (8:40 GMT) and departed shortly after 10:20 am (9:20 GMT). During the meeting, the Holy See explained, the Pope referred “to the issue of prisoners of war and the need to guarantee the return of Ukrainian children to their families.” This is the third time Zelensky has met with the pontiff since his election, after Leo XIV received the Ukrainian leader in an audience following the Mass inaugurating his pontificate on May 18, and in a second meeting on July 9, also in Castel Gandolfo. After his meeting with the Pope, Zelensky is scheduled to meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at 3:00 pm local time (2:00 pm GMT), as part of a series of meetings with key European leaders regarding the peace process. of peace in Ukraine.
The Pope has repeatedly urged to ceasefire and, in his latest statements, welcomed the progress in the peace negotiations.