On July 20, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in Kyiv with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

The Head of State thanked the Archbishop and Pope Leo XIV for their support for Ukraine. The Holy See’s delegation was in Kyiv during a massive Russian attack on Ukrainian cities. The President emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to achieve peace.

The parties discussed the possibility of a meeting at the leaders’ level. Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the Holy See for its readiness to host such a meeting and facilitate its organization.

Particular attention was paid to the activities of the Church in Ukraine and the clergy’s support for Ukrainian service members and civilians.

The parties also discussed Ukraine’s path toward membership in the European Union. The President noted the Holy See’s support for Ukraine’s European choice and thanked His Holiness and the Vatican for their continued prayers and solidarity with the Ukrainian people.