Zelenskyy talks to Pope Leo XIV and invites him to Ukraine

Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Photo: Office of the President

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had his first telephone conversation with Pope Leo XIV and invited the pontiff to make an apostolic visit to Ukraine.

The President of Ukraine announced this on Monday, 12 May.

According to the president, such a visit «would bring real hope for all believers, for all our people». He noted that they agreed to keep in touch and plan a personal meeting in the near future.

Support those who keep the city informed every day

Club NikVesti — a place where the reader and the editorial team are on the same side.

Members have access to a private chat, an exclusive newsletter with behind-the-scenes stories from journalists, see the news earlier, and influence the changes.

Join us. Together we keep the city bright

One-time support Monthly

€ 1 € 2 € 10

Donate

€ 2 € 5 € 10

Secure payment

The recipient of donations is the NGO “Mykolaiv Media Hub” (EDRPOU 45160758). By making a donation, you confirm that the amount is non-refundable and may be used by the NGO to implement its statutory activities, including supporting independent journalism and creating socially significant content. Public offer.

«We greatly appreciate His Holiness' words about the need to achieve a just and lasting peace for our country and the release of prisoners. We talked about the thousands of Ukrainian children deported by Russia. Ukraine is counting on the Vatican's assistance in returning them home to their families,» Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote.

According to the President, he also informed the Pope that a full, unconditional ceasefire for at least 30 days should begin on 12 May, and reaffirmed Ukraine's readiness for further negotiations «in any format, including direct talks, which we have repeatedly emphasised».

«Ukraine wants to end this war and is doing everything to do so. We expect Russia to take appropriate steps»,» the President of Ukraine added.

The day before, Pope Leo XIV in his first Sunday blessing called for «a speedy real peace» in Ukraine.