Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has met with Pope Leo XIV and thanked him for the Vatican’s efforts to help return children taken by Russia during the war.

Meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Pope Leo XIV reiterated his willingness to host representatives of Russia and Ukraine at the Vatican for peace negotiations.

The Holy See stated that the Pope discussed Russia’s war against Ukraine with Zelenskyy and the “pressing need to pursue peace through dialogue.” “The Pope expressed his sorrow for the victims of the war and assured the Ukrainian people of his prayers and continued closeness,