The President of Ukraine, Volodimir Zelenski, revealed this Monday that he had his first phone conversation with Pope Leo XIV, to whom he expressed gratitude for his support of the Ukrainian cause and extended an official invitation for an apostolic visit to Kiev.
The dialogue between the two leaders marks a symbolic milestone in the relationship between the Vatican and the Ukrainian government, amidst the ongoing war following the Russian invasion that began in 2022.
The conversation, described as "very warm and truly substantial" by the Ukrainian president, was confirmed by the Holy See through the director of its Press Office, Matteo Bruni, according to Vatican News.
During the exchange, Zelensky thanked the newly elected pontiff for "his support for Ukraine and our entire people," as well as for his recent statements on the urgency of achieving a "just and lasting peace" and securing the release of prisoners of war.
One of the highlights of the conversation was the request for collaboration from the Vatican to repatriate the thousands of Ukrainian children deported by Russia. As Zelensky explained, this task remains in the hands of Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, to whom Pope Francis had entrusted the mission before the conclave. Leon XIV has decided to keep the entire Curia in office, so Zuppi continues his humanitarian work.
Additionally, the Ukrainian president informed the pontiff about the new agreement reached with his Western allies, which includes a total and unconditional ceasefire for at least 30 days. "Ukraine wishes to end this war and is doing everything possible to achieve it. Now we hope for similar measures from Russia," Zelenski stated.
Finally, the president reiterated his desire to welcome the leader of the Catholic Church on an official visit: "Such a visit would bring true hope to all believers and to our entire people." Both agreed to maintain direct contact and prepare for an in-person meeting "in the near future."
León XIV and his firm opposition to the Russian invasion
Although he has only just begun his papacy, Leo XIV —the papal name adopted by Cardinal Robert Prevost after the recent conclave— has already publicly expressed a clear and critical stance on the war in Ukraine.
In a video shared on social media before being elected Pope, Prevost unequivocally condemned the Russian aggression, describing it as a "genuine imperialist invasion."
"Russia wants to conquer territory for reasons of power and its own advantage," the future pontiff stated, emphasizing the strategic, historical, and cultural significance of Ukraine. He also denounced the crimes against humanity committed in the context of the conflict: "It has already been proven that crimes against humanity are being committed in Ukraine."
Prevost emphasized the need to pray for peace, but also to speak clearly: “Some politicians do not want to acknowledge the horrors of this war or the evil that Russia is inflicting on Ukraine.”
These words have been interpreted by international observers as a shift from the more diplomatic and cautious tone of his predecessor, Francisco. The moral firmness of León XIV regarding the Russian aggression appears to align his leadership with the cause of international justice and the principles of humanitarian law.
If the Pope agrees to visit Ukraine amid the war, it would set a historic precedent in Vatican diplomacy. Zelenski's invitation, at a critical moment in the conflict, could open a new phase of active Vatican presence in the political and humanitarian landscape of Eastern Europe.
Filed under:
