“Such a visit would bring real hope to all believers and to all our people,” Zelensky wrote on X after the conversation, adding that he and the pope hoped to meet in person “in the near future.”
Appeal over deported minors
Zelensky said he briefed the pope on efforts to repatriate more than 19,500 Ukrainian children who Kyiv says were forcibly removed to Russia, Belarus or occupied territories during the 26‑month‑old war.
“Ukraine counts on the Vatican’s assistance in bringing them home to their families,” he added.
New American‑born pontiff
Leo XIV, formerly Chicago‑born Cardinal Robert Prevost, became the first U.S. pope when elected on May 8 after the death of Pope Francis.
In his first Sunday address on May 11 he called for an “authentic and lasting peace” in Ukraine and said he carried “the sufferings of the beloved Ukrainian people” in his heart.
The 69‑year‑old Augustinian earlier denounced Russia’s 2022 invasion as “imperialist” while serving as a bishop in Peru.
Ceasefire push
Zelensky told the pope that Kyiv and its partners had endorsed an unconditional 30‑day ceasefire and that Ukraine “is ready for peace talks in any format,” reiterating calls for Moscow to reciprocate.
Russia has so far proposed negotiations in Istanbul later this week but has not committed to halting hostilities.
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Source: Reuters, The Times, AP News, BBC, Kyiv Independent