Pope Leo Advocates for Continued Dialogue to Achieve Just Peace in Ukraine

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy — During a meeting on Tuesday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Pope Leo emphasized the importance of persistent dialogue to achieve a just and enduring peace in Ukraine. The Vatican highlighted the pope's call for continued diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict fairly.

The pontiff's remarks echoed Zelenskiy's repeated appeals for a balanced peace agreement that does not disproportionately favor Russia. According to a Vatican statement issued after the encounter at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome, the discussion also covered the critical issues of prisoners of war and the urgent need to reunite Ukrainian children with their families. The Vatican has played a mediating role between Kyiv and Moscow on the matter of abducted children.

President Zelenskiy, who arrived in Italy following talks in London, expressed gratitude to Pope Leo for his ongoing prayers for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, as well as his advocacy for a just peace. Zelenskiy invited the pope to visit Ukraine and shared that he had briefed the pontiff on diplomatic efforts with the United States intended to bring about peace.

He also emphasized the Vatican's mediation efforts to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russia, an issue of grave concern. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ukraine accuses Moscow of forcibly relocating at least 19,000 children to Russian territory or areas under Russian control without familial consent. Russia denies these accusations, asserting that the relocation is meant to protect children from conflict zones.

Under increasing pressure from the United States to accept a peace proposal, Zelenskiy has maintained that any settlement must be just and sustainable. He has categorically rejected territorial concessions to Russia. European allies have echoed concerns that the U.S.-backed deal could concede too much to Moscow, compromise security, and effectively reward Russian aggression.

Following Zelenskiy's Monday meetings with the British Prime Minister, French President, and German Chancellor, the Ukrainian leader was slated to meet Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Zelenskiy announced plans to present an updated peace proposal to the United States on Tuesday.

Pope Leo, elected in May, continues the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, by consistently advocating for an end to the conflict in Ukraine. He had even offered to host peace talks, though that offer did not materialize into negotiations.