Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Castel Gandolfo this morning for a private meeting with Pope Leo XIV. He arrived at Villa Barberini shortly before 9:40 a.m. and was received for a discussion lasting roughly thirty minutes. Afterward, the two appeared together on the balcony, greeting journalists and photographers without offering statements.

According to a Vatican communiqué, the meeting unfolded in a “cordial atmosphere” and centered on the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Pope reiterated the importance of keeping diplomatic channels open and expressed his hope that current peace initiatives may pave the way to a “just and lasting” resolution. The conversation also touched on prisoners of war and the urgent need to reunite Ukrainian children with their families.