Zelenskyy Meets Pope Leo XIV in Rome, Plans Talks with Kellogg
On Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Rome, where he met with Pope Leo XIV. A meeting with an American delegation is also planned.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to the Holy See Press Office and European Pravda.
Zelenskyy's visit to Italy is part of the head of state's participation in the International Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine. The president began his programme in Rome with an audience with Pope Leo XIV.
‘This morning, the Holy Father received Mr Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, and his entourage in audience,’ the Vatican announced.
As the Ukrainian president noted, the key topic of their meeting will be the war against Ukraine unleashed by the Russian Federation.
‘Of course, we want this war to end, and, of course, we are counting on the Vatican, on the Vatican and His Holiness to help us find a place for a high-level meeting to end this war,’ Zelenskyy said.
He also expressed hope for the Vatican's assistance in returning Ukrainian children who were abducted by Russia.
As noted in the press release of the Holy See following the meeting between Zelenskyy and Leo XIV, they discussed the ongoing war and the urgency of finding lasting and just paths to peace.
The pontiff reaffirmed his willingness to receive representatives of Russia and Ukraine in the Vatican for negotiations.
After that, Zelenskyy will go to the official residence of the President of Italy, the Quirinal Palace, where an official meeting ceremony, presentation of delegations and joint photo session will take place.
At 16:10, a bilateral meeting between the President of Ukraine and the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, is expected to begin.
Later, at 17:30, Zelenskyy will meet with the US Special Representative for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg.
During his visit, Zelenskyy is expected to hold a series of important meetings with leaders of states and international organisations aimed at strengthening support for Ukraine.
As is known, on 10 and 11 July, Italy will host a conference on the reconstruction of Ukraine, which will be attended by an American delegation together with US Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg.
The conference will be attended by European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.