Pope Leo XIV received Volodymyr Zelensky in a private audience at the papal residence of Castel Gandolfo. They discussed the war in Ukraine, the return of forcibly deported Ukrainian children, and the Holy See's continued support for dialogue and peace, according to a Vatican statement.

The Pope expressed his condolences for the victims of the war and assured the Ukrainian people of his prayers and closeness. Leo XIV reiterated that the Vatican was ready to receive representatives of Ukraine and Russia for negotiations.

“We are counting on the Vatican and His Holiness to help provide a venue for a high-level meeting of leaders to end the war”

- Zelensky said after the meeting.