Pope Leo meets with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy

Pope Leo and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Image: @Vatican Media

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo on Tuesday morning, 9 December.

The Holy See Press Office issued a statement describing the cordial meeting, saying discussions centred mainly on the war in Ukraine. During their talks, the Pope reiterated the importance of ongoing dialogue and once again stressed his "urgent hope that ongoing diplomatic efforts will lead to a just and lasting peace."

The two heads of state also spoke about the issue of prisoners of war, calling for ensuring the safe return of Ukrainian children to their families.

Exactly five months ago, the President met with Pope Leo at the residence at Castel Gandolfo for a private audience - during which similar topics were discussed. In that July meeting, Pope Leo - just two months after his election to the papacy - expressed his sorrow for the victims of the war and assured the people of Ukraine of his ongoing prayers for them.

The Holy Father had also reiterated the Vatican's willingness to host both Ukraine and Russia for potential negotiations.

Following the meeting, President Zelenskyy addressed journalists in English, expressing his gratitude for the audience and the Pope's support especially regarding the return of Ukrainian children - calling it "a very important question."

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, tens of thousands of Ukrainian children have been taken from their homes and transferred deep into Russia. The Ukrainian Government in March 2023 confirmed 19,546 cases, but charities, including War Child, say this figure is a significant understatement. Research by Yale University published in June 2025 state that more than 35,000. children have been abducted.