Pope Leo and Zelenskiy Discuss Peace and Diplomacy

During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Pope Leo emphasized the importance of continued dialogue for achieving a just and lasting peace. Discussions also covered prisoners of war and the return of Ukrainian children. The meeting is part of broader diplomatic efforts involving European allies discussing a U.S.-backed peace deal.

Pope Leo highlighted the importance of ongoing dialogue with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to strive for a just and lasting peace, as announced by the Vatican on Tuesday.

The Pope reiterated the necessity for continuing discussions and expressed his urgent wish for current diplomatic initiatives to achieve a fair and sustainable peace. The Vatican also noted discussions about prisoners of war and the repatriation of Ukrainian children, specifically mentioning its mediation role between Kyiv and Moscow.

Zelenskiy and Pope Leo met at Castel Gandolfo, near the Vatican, before Zelenskiy's meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. These talks align with Zelenskiy's broader efforts, supported by European allies, to counterbalance a U.S.-endorsed peace proposal perceived as favorable to Russia.

(With inputs from agencies.)