Pope Leo XIV and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held their first phone call, discussing the ongoing war in Ukraine. Zelenskyy thanked the Pope for his support and invited him to visit Ukraine. They addressed the issue of Ukrainian children deported by Russia, seeking the Vatican's assistance in their return. Zelenskyy informed the Pope about the agreement for a 30-day ceasefire and reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to negotiations.
about 2 months ago
Pope Leo XIV and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held their first phone call on May 12, 2025 1 2 3 4. The Vatican confirmed the call took place after Pope Leo XIV expressed his concern for Ukraine during his Sunday address 2 4. Zelenskyy described the conversation as "warm and truly substantive" 1 3 4.
During the call, Zelenskyy thanked Pope Leo XIV for his support of Ukraine and its people 1 2 3 4. They discussed the plight of thousands of Ukrainian children deported by Russia, with Zelenskyy seeking the Vatican's assistance in bringing them home 1 2 3 4. Pope Leo XIV had previously called for a just and lasting peace, the release of prisoners, and the return of children to their families 1 2 4. Zelenskyy also informed the Pope about Ukraine's agreement with Western nations for a 30-day ceasefire and reiterated Ukraine's readiness for negotiations 1 3.
Zelenskyy extended an invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit Ukraine 1 2 3 4. He expressed his belief that such a visit would bring hope to believers and the Ukrainian people 1 2 3 4. The two leaders agreed to stay in contact and plan an in-person meeting in the near future 1 2 3 4.
Pope Francis had previously considered visiting Ukraine 3. Before his election as Pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost (now Pope Leo XIV) had strongly condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine 3. He denounced it as a "genuine Russian imperialist invasion" and spoke of crimes against humanity 3.
The Church's role in conflict resolution and humanitarian efforts.
While I do not have access to information about a Pope Leo XIV, I can share how the Catholic Church approaches such dialogues, based on the provided resources.
The Catholic Church, through the Holy See, engages in diplomatic efforts to promote peace, justice, and human dignity in areas of conflict around the world . In situations like the conflict in Ukraine, the Church seeks to foster dialogue, negotiation, and peaceful resolutions .
Here's how the Church's involvement typically unfolds:
The Holy See views war as a grave affront to human dignity and an error and a horror . It is committed to working towards a just and lasting peace through diplomatic means and humanitarian support, always with a focus on the integral good of the human person .