On December 9, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was received in audience by Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo.

During the meeting, Zelensky expressed his gratitude to His Holiness for his continued prayers for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, as well as for the Pope’s repeated calls for a just peace.

The President briefed Pope Leo XIV on ongoing diplomatic efforts with the United States aimed at securing a dignified and reliable peace. He urged the Pontiff to continue supporting coordinated international initiatives focused on peacebuilding.

Zelensky and the Pope also discussed the Vatican’s further efforts to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. The President thanked His Holiness for his personal support of Ukrainian children and expressed appreciation to the Holy See for its sustained humanitarian assistance and its readiness to expand humanitarian missions, particularly in frontline regions.

At the conclusion of the audience, President Zelensky invited Pope Leo XIV to undertake an apostolic visit to Ukraine.