«We thank the Vatican for its willingness to become a platform for direct negotiations»: Zelenskyy after audience with Pope

Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Pope. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine

On Sunday, 18 May, Pope Leo XIV met with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the First Lady.

This is reported by Vatican News.

After the Mass, the heads of state and government were invited to St Peter's Basilica to greet Pope Leo XIV. Later, the press service of the Holy See released a video of the meeting between Leo XIV and the Zelenskyy couple.

Vladimir Zelensky met with the Pope. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine

Vladimir Zelensky met with the Pope. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine

In his turn, Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the Pope for the audience and the proposal to make the Vatican a venue for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.

«For millions of people around the world, the Pontiff is a symbol of hope for peace. And the authority and voice of the Holy See can play an important role in ending this war. We thank the Vatican for its willingness to become a platform for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. We are ready for dialogue in any format for the sake of real results. Thank you for your support of Ukraine and for your clear voice in defence of a just and lasting peace», Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote.

As a reminder, the new Pope Leo XIV officially took office on 18 May, becoming the first American to head the Holy See.