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.

Pope Leo XIV met with Ukraine's Zelenskyy in Castel Gandolfo, reiterating Vatican’s offer to host Russia–Ukraine peace talks and called for return of kidnapped children.

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,