Zelensky and Pope Leo XIV: A Meeting for Peace Amid War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Pope Leo XIV shortly after the pontiff's inaugural Mass, signaling hopes of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia as the Pope offers Vatican as a negotiation venue.

 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, alongside his wife Olena Zelenska, attended the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday. Following the Mass, Zelensky had a private meeting with the newly elected pontiff. The emphatic meeting came just days after the Pope expressed his personal commitment to assist in ending the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Pope Leo XIV, who was elected earlier in the week, indicated at the end of the Mass a strong desire for peace amidst global suffering from wars, emphasizing the plight of “Martyred Ukraine,” paralleling sentiments from his predecessor, Pope Francis. He underscored that the Holy See stands ready to facilitate direct talks, stating, “The Holy See is always ready to help bring enemies together, face to face, to talk to one another.” Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the pope’s secretary of state, reiterated that the Vatican offers an “appropriate place” for negotiations.

In a social media post following their meeting, Zelensky expressed gratitude for the Pope's “special words” and acknowledged the Vatican's readiness to be a neutral ground for direct dialogues. He emphasized the universal aspiration for “peace and security for every nation,” reinforcing the significance of the Vatican’s role amidst the ongoing conflict. The interaction marks a pivotal moment in international diplomacy, showcasing the Vatican's potential impact in fostering peace discussions between the two nations embroiled in war.