Plan is ready for possible visit to Ukraine after Zelenskyy’s invitation – Pope Leo XIV

The Pope said he hopes to visit Ukraine but did not name a specific date, saying that “in such matters one must be realistic.”

“It would be good to go to Kyiv. The plan is ready, but it is difficult to implement,” the pontiff said. He added that he hopes every effort will be made to achieve a “just and lasting peace” in Ukraine and urged Italian diplomats to contribute to that goal.

On Dec. 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Pope Leo XIV at the pontiff’s official residence near Rome. Zelenskyy wrote on social media that he briefed the Pope on diplomatic efforts with the United States aimed at achieving peace and invited the pontiff to visit Ukraine.

“This would be a strong signal of support for our people,” the Ukrainian leader wrote.

The Vatican said that during a “frank conversation,” the Pope stressed the importance of continuing dialogue and again expressed hope that current diplomatic efforts would help achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The pontiff also addressed the issue of prisoners of war and emphasized the need to return Ukrainian children to their families.

On Dec. 3, the Pope said Italy could serve as a mediator in negotiations to end Russia’s war against Ukraine. He said Europe’s presence in talks on ending the war in Ukraine is important and added that the Holy See could encourage such mediation to seek a solution that would ensure a just peace in Ukraine.