Pope Meets Zelensky While on Vacation, Expresses Willingness to Host Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks at Vatican

Pope Meets Zelensky at Summer Residence During Vacation
"The Best Way to End Hostilities Is Dialogue"

Pope Leo XIV has expressed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky his willingness to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine at the Vatican. On July 9, Yonhap News reported that the Holy See released a brief video showing the Pope and President Zelensky in conversation. In the footage released by the Vatican, the Pope is seen meeting President Zelensky at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo, on the outskirts of Rome, Italy, asking in English, "How is the situation?" and other questions.

Leo, 14, met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a vacation spot. Photo by AFP and Yonhap News

In its statement, the Holy See said, "(The Pope and President Zelensky) discussed the ongoing conflict and the need for a just and lasting peace," adding, "In the context of a friendly dialogue, the importance of dialogue as the most desirable means to end hostilities was reaffirmed." The statement continued, "The Pope mourned the victims, renewed his prayers and closeness to the people of Ukraine, and encouraged all efforts to secure the release of prisoners and to find joint solutions." It further stated, "The Pope reiterated his willingness to welcome representatives of Russia and Ukraine to the Vatican for negotiations." However, the Russian side has previously rejected such a proposal, citing the fact that the Vatican is located within Italy, a member state of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Previously, former Pope Francis also repeatedly criticized the Russia-Ukraine war and appointed Cardinal Matteo Zuppi as a peace envoy for the conflict. In the early stages of the war, Cardinal Zuppi was notably active, visiting Kyiv, Moscow, Washington, and Beijing in succession, but his activities as an envoy have since slowed considerably.

Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded Pope Francis, has shown deep interest in the Russia-Ukraine war, choosing President Zelensky as the first head of state with whom he spoke after his enthronement. Recently, Leo XIV met with Ukrainian Catholic bishops and pilgrims, condemning the Russia-Ukraine war as a "senseless war." In particular, while the Pope's willingness to mediate has previously been conveyed indirectly through figures such as U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, this is the first time the Pope has made such an official statement directly.