Zelenskyy held his first conversation with the newly elected Pope

This was reported on the Telegram channel of the President of Ukraine.

Zelenskyy noted that the conversation with the newly elected Pope was warm and meaningful. He thanked him for his support of Ukraine and his call for a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, as well as the release of prisoners.

Additionally, the President and Leo XIV discussed the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation (RF). Kyiv, as Zelenskyy said, hopes for the Vatican’s assistance in bringing them home.

In particular, Zelenskyy informed the Pope that as of today, a full, unconditional ceasefire is set to begin for at least 30 days. He also confirmed Kyiv’s readiness for further negotiations in any format, as he wishes to end the war and hopes for a reciprocal response from Russia.

"I invited His Holiness to make an apostolic visit to Ukraine. Such a visit would bring true hope for all believers, for all our people. We agreed to keep in touch and plan a personal meeting in the near future," Zelenskyy noted.