The Holy See Press Office reported on Wednesday that Volodymyr Zelensky visited the Pope during his summer vacation in Castel Gandolfo. The audience was to address, among other things, the war in Ukraine and the"urgent need to find a just and lasting peace."

According to the statement, during the conversation,"the importance of dialogue was re-emphasized as the best way to end the hostilities," and the meeting with the Ukrainian leader itself took place in acordial atmosphere.

Leo XIV expressed his solidarity with the Ukrainian nation by expressing his pain for the victims, renewing his prayers and encouraging"all efforts to free the prisoners and to seek common solutions to the conflict".

War in Ukraine. The Pope spoke with Vladimir Putin

Back in June, the Pope also spoke with the other side of the conflict – the president of Russia. The Kremlin spokesman said at the time that Vladimir Putin, in his conversation with the Pope,"drawn attention to the escalation of the conflict by the regime in Kiev," the Russian news agency TASS quoted.

"Putin expressed gratitude to Pope Leo XIV for his willingness to help resolve the conflict with Ukraine. The Russian leader also reaffirmed his interest in achieving peace in Ukraine through political and diplomatic means," the statement said.

Castel Gandolfo. Leo XIV returns to a long tradition

With his departure to Castel Gandolfo, Leo XIV resumed the long-standing tradition that had been interrupted by his predecessor. 

For centuries, Castel Gandolfo was the holiday destination of choice for successive popes until Pope Francis became the head of the Catholic Church. During his 12-year pontificate, he never once went on holiday to Castel Gandolfo.

According to the Vatican's announcement, Leo XIV will be there from July 6 to 20.