President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had an audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo.

The Head of State thanked His Holiness for his constant prayers for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, as well as for his calls for a just peace.

The President briefed the Pope on diplomatic efforts with the United States aimed at achieving a dignified and guaranteed peace. Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged His Holiness to continue supporting coordinated peace efforts.

The Head of State and the Pontiff also discussed further efforts by the Vatican to secure the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. The President thanked His Holiness for supporting young Ukrainians and expressed gratitude to the Holy See for its ongoing humanitarian assistance and its readiness to expand humanitarian missions, including in frontline regions.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited the Pope to make an apostolic visit to Ukraine.