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Ukraine’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.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Pope Leo XIV on July 9, 2025, at Castel Gandolfo to discuss peace efforts and Ukraine’s reconstruction support.
- Their meeting occurred after Russia launched a large-scale military offensive against Ukraine in early 2022, with Moscow continuing to dismiss all peace proposals, including talks facilitated by the Vatican.
- They held a cordial conversation in English, reaffirmed dialogue as the preferred way to end hostilities, and emphasized the urgent need for a just and lasting peace.
- Zelenskyy expressed a desire for peace and emphasized his hope that the Vatican and the Pope would assist in providing a venue for a high-level meeting aimed at ending the war.
- The meeting aimed to mobilize support for Ukraine’s reconstruction, highlighted ongoing efforts to return abducted children, and demonstrated reliance on the Vatican amid resumed Russian attacks.
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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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