Pope Leo XIV and Zelenskyy Meet Again to Advance Peace Push
Pope Leo XIV received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo.
The Gaze reports this, referring to the Holy See Press Office.
The two held an in-depth discussion focused on the ongoing war in Ukraine and international diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
The Pope reiterated the importance of sustaining dialogue and expressed his hope that current diplomatic initiatives will pave the way toward a “just and lasting peace.”
He also stressed the moral urgency of securing the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war and ensuring the safe return of children forcibly taken from Ukraine.
This was Zelenskyy’s second visit to Castel Gandolfo and the third meeting between the Ukrainian leader and Pope Leo XIV overall.
Their previous encounters took place on July 9 and May 18 – the latter shortly after the inauguration Mass marking the start of the Pope’s pontificate.
Zelenskyy is currently in Rome for a series of high-level meetings, including talks with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The Vatican emphasized that the conversation with the Ukrainian president took place in a warm and constructive atmosphere, underscoring the Holy See’s continued engagement in humanitarian and diplomatic efforts related to the war.
As The Gaze reported earlier, in his first address as the newly elected leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV used his traditional midday blessing to issue a heartfelt plea for peace in Ukraine.
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