US EditionUkraine’s Zelenskyy meets with Pope Leo XIV. Both propose the Vatican as site for peace talks
VATICAN CITY, JUL 9 – Zelenskyy and Pope Leo XIV discussed peace efforts and the return of over 19,500 Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, highlighting the Vatican's role as a potential mediator in the conflict.
- On July 9, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Pope Leo XIV at Castel Gandolfo to discuss peace efforts regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- The meeting followed Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion and its continued rejection of peace initiatives, including Vatican-hosted talks, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
- Zelenskyy and Pope Leo discussed the urgent need for a just and lasting peace, with Zelenskyy relying heavily on the Vatican to help arrange a summit to end the war.
- Ukraine verified over 19,500 children were deported to Russia, with about 1,350 returned through Vatican mediation, prompting Zelenskyy to thank the Pope for efforts to reunite children.
- The meeting aimed to mobilize support for Ukraine's reconstruction amid intensified Russian attacks and stalled US aid, while reaffirming dialogue as the preferred means to end hostilities.
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Pope Leo XIV confirmed the Vatican's readiness to provide Russia and Ukraine with a platform for peace talks. After meeting with the pope, Zelenskiy said that he “hopes for the Vatican and His Holiness”.
Zelenskyy visited Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday afternoon, July 9. The meeting took place at Castel Gandolfo, the pope's summer residence, where he is currently on a two-week vacation. According to a Vatican statement, the two discussed "the ongoing conflict and the urgent need for a just and lasting peace."
Pope Leo XIV receives Ukrainian president Zelenskyy at Castel Gandolfo
Pope Leo XIV greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Castel Gandolfo on July 9, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media ACI Prensa Staff, Jul 9, 2025 / 15:07 pm (CNA). On Wednesday Pope Leo XIV took time out from his summer vacation in Castel Gandolfo to receive the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.It was the second time the two have met after exchanging greetings at the Vatican on May 18 in the context of the Mass inaugurating Pope Leo…
Pope Leo receives Zelenskyy in audience at Castel Gandolfo
Two days after arriving at the Italian city of Castel Gandolfo for a multi-week holiday, Pope Leo XIV received Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a July… The post Pope Leo receives Zelenskyy in audience at Castel Gandolfo appeared first on CatholicVote org.
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