Skip to content

Pope Leo XIV receives Ukrainian president Zelenskyy at Castel Gandolfo

On Wednesday Pope Leo XIV took time out from his summer vacation in Castel Gandolfo to receive the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

On Wednesday Pope Leo XIV took time out from his summer vacation in Castel Gandolfo to receive the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER HERE

It was the second time the two have met after exchanging greetings at the Vatican on May 18 in the context of the Mass inaugurating Pope Leo’s pontificate.

According to an official statement from the Holy See, the two leaders discussed the ongoing conflict and “the urgency of pursuing just and lasting paths of peace.”

During the meeting, held behind closed doors, the importance of dialogue was reiterated “as the best avenue for ending hostilities.”

The pope expressed his profound sorrow for the victims of the Russia-Ukraine war and renewed his spiritual closeness to the Ukrainian people, encouraging all efforts aimed at the release of prisoners and the search for shared solutions.

Leo XIV also reaffirmed the Holy See’s willingness to receive representatives of Russia and Ukraine at the Vatican with a view to possible peace negotiations. The audience lasted approximately 30 minutes.

Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed the Holy See's willingness to receive representatives of Russia and Ukraine at the Vatican with a view to possible peace negotiations during a meeting with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on July 9, 2025, at Castel Gandolfo in Italy. Credit: Vatican Media
Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed the Holy See’s willingness to receive representatives of Russia and Ukraine at the Vatican with a view to possible peace negotiations during a meeting with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on July 9, 2025, at Castel Gandolfo in Italy. Credit: Vatican Media

Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude on X for the meeting and for “a very substantive conversation” with the Holy Father. “We value all the support and every prayer for peace in Ukraine,” he added.

Regarding the proposal for meetings between leaders from both sides of the conflict to be held at the Vatican, he confirmed that “it remains open and entirely possible, with the goal of stopping Russian aggression and achieving a stable, lasting, and genuine peace.”

However, he lamented that, currently, “only Moscow continues to reject this proposal, as it has turned down all other peace initiatives.”

“We will continue to strengthen global solidarity so that diplomacy can still succeed,” he added.

He also noted that he especially thanked Pope Leo for his support for Ukrainian children, “particularly those returned from Russian captivity.”

“Ukrainian children now have the opportunity for rehabilitation and rest in Italy, and such hospitality and sincerity are extremely important. Today, we also discussed the Vatican’s continued efforts to help return Ukrainian children abducted by Russia,” he noted.

He also explained that he spoke with the pontiff about the “the deep respect that Ukrainian society holds for Andrey Sheptytskyy — his actions, including the rescue of Jews during the Second World War and his defense of the Christian faith.”

Archbishop Andrey Sheptysky was a leader of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church from 1900 to 1944, who, at the risk of his own life, saved hundreds of Jews during the Nazi occupation and worked for Christian unity.

“We hope that Metropolitan Sheptytsky’s contribution and merits will receive the recognition they deserve,” the president said.

International Meeting on the Reconstruction of Ukraine

Zelenskyy’s visit to Rome is part of the Fourth International Meeting on the Reconstruction of Ukraine to be held in the Italian capital July 10–11.

This is a series of international conferences aimed at mobilizing diplomatic, financial, strategic, and political support for the country’s recovery following the Russian invasion that began in February 2022.

The meeting will be opened tomorrow by Zelenskyy and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The event brings together heads of state and government from 77 countries and a total of 1,800 attendees, including representatives of 500 companies.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

Pope Francis’ Spiritual Exercises, Centralization of Vatican Finances & New Blessed

Welcome to this week’s episode of Vaticano Updates, where we bring you the most important news from Pope

Archbishop Fernández on new role as Vatican’s doctrinal chief: ‘I will do it my way’

When asked about the controversy surrounding his recent appointment as the Vatican’s doctrinal chief, Archbishop Víctor Manuel Fernández

Vatican News: Family Bonus for Vatican Employees and Pope Francis Blesses New U.S. President Trump

Pope Francis welcomed the Gaza ceasefire and blessed Trump’s presidency; Vatican aids large families, mediates Cuban prisoner release, and urges pilgrimages to the Holy Land post-truce.

Ecumenism, opportunities towards the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea

Before Easter, a delegation from the Ecumenical Council of Churches visited the Vatican.

Hungarian Ambassador Highlights Strong Christian Faith Ahead of Pope Francis Visit

The Hungarian Ambassador to the Holy See, Eduard Habsburg, sheds light on Hungary's strong Christian faith, coexistence of different Christian churches, and humanitarian work in an exclusive interview, as Pope Francis prepares for his upcoming visit to the country.

Vatican reveals theme for World Youth Day 2027 in South Korea

The Vatican on Tuesday unveiled the theme of the next international World Youth Day — which will be in Seoul, South Korea, in 2027 — and the theme of the local World Youth Day happening during the Jubilee Year 2025 in Rome.

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNit