Zelenskyy met with the Pope

Pope Leo XIV informed Zelenskyy that he was ready to receive representatives of Russia and Ukraine at the Vatican for negotiations.

The statement said the pontiff also discussed with Zelensky "the urgent need for a just and lasting peace."

Zelenskyy thanked Pope Leo XIV for the meeting, hospitality, and support — both spiritual and practical. He noted that he had discussed with the pontiff the issue of returning to Ukraine children abducted by Russia during the war, and stressed the importance of this topic.

Zelenskyy also emphasized the shared desire for peace and an end to the war and stated that Ukraine counts on the role of the Vatican and the Pope in facilitating dialogue at the highest level to end the war.

The meeting took place during the Ukrainian President's visit to Italy. He is also scheduled to meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

In Italy, Zelenskyy will also meet with US Special Representative Keith Kellogg as part of the Ukraine Recovery Conference, scheduled for July 10-11.