Zelensky Calls for Pope’s Visit to Ukraine in First Phone Conversation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has invited newly elected Pope Leo XIV to visit Ukraine, expressing hope that such a visit would inspire and uplift the war-weary nation. The invitation came during the leaders’ first phone call on Monday, shortly after the pontiff’s installation.

“I invited His Holiness to make an apostolic visit to Ukraine. Such a visit would bring real hope to all believers, to all our people,” Zelensky shared in a post on social media.

During the conversation, Zelensky also thanked Pope Leo XIV for his vocal support for peace. On Sunday, the pope had made a powerful plea from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, calling for an end to conflicts: “No more war!” He emphasized the need for a “genuine, just and lasting peace” in Ukraine, echoing calls made by his predecessor, Pope Francis.

Zelensky said he briefed the pontiff on the plight of thousands of Ukrainian children deported to Russia since the beginning of the invasion, and expressed hope for the Vatican’s assistance in securing their return.

He also informed Pope Leo about a joint ceasefire initiative proposed by Ukraine and its allies, adding that both leaders had agreed to “plan an in-person meeting in the near future.”

While Pope Francis never visited Ukraine during his papacy and was criticized in Kyiv for ambiguous comments—including urging Ukraine to raise the “white flag”—the Vatican has been praised for helping to facilitate prisoner exchanges and the return of deported children.