The Pope expresses to Zelensky his “urgent desire” that dialogue lead to a just peace

Pope Leo XIV reiterated this Tuesday to the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, the need to continue the dialogue and renewed the “urgent desire that the diplomatic initiatives in progress may lead to a just and lasting peace” that puts an end to the war with Russia. “During the cordial conversation, which focused on the war in Ukraine, the Holy Father reiterated the need to continue the dialogue and renewed the urgent desire that the diplomatic initiatives underway may lead to a just and lasting peace,” reported the Holy See press office. The meeting was held at the papal residence of Castel Gandolfo, just outside Rome. Zelensky arrived around 9:40 local time (8:40 GMT) and left shortly after 10:20 (9:20 GMT).

You can also read: Former Cuban Economy Minister Sentenced to Life in Prison After “Treason Against the Homeland”

During the meeting, the Holy See explained, the Pope referred “to the issue of prisoners of war and the need to ensure the return of Ukrainian children to their families.” This is the third time Zelensky has met with the pontiff since his election, after Leo XIV received the Ukrainian leader in an audience after the mass at the beginning of his pontificate, on May 18, and in a second meeting on July 9, also in Castel Gandolfo. Following his meeting with the Pope, Zelensky is scheduled to meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at 3:00 PM local time (2:00 PM GMT), as part of a series of meetings with key European leaders regarding the peace process in Ukraine. The Pope has repeatedly urged a ceasefire and, in his latest statements, celebrated the progress in peace negotiations.