Zelensky Invites Pope Leo XIV To Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky invited Pope Leo XIV to visit Ukraine, hoping the visit would inspire hope among believers and the public.
The invitation came during their first phone call, where they also discussed the deportation of thousands of Ukrainian children by Russia and sought Vatican assistance in their return.
Pope Leo XIV called for a genuine, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine during his first public prayer, continuing the peace advocacy legacy of his predecessor.
Zelensky mentioned Ukraine’s joint ceasefire proposal with allies and agreed with the pope to schedule an in-person meeting soon.