President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: “Ukraine deeply appreciates all the support of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and the Holy See – the ongoing humanitarian assistance and the readiness to expand humanitarian missions.

“During today’s audience with His Holiness, I thanked him for his constant prayers for Ukraine and for the Ukrainian people, as well as for his calls for a just peace.

“I informed the Pope about diplomatic efforts with the United States to achieve peace. We discussed further actions and the Vatican’s mediation aimed at returning our children abducted by Russia.

“I am grateful to His Holiness for all his efforts to support young Ukrainians. Thank you for this conversation and for all the attention given to our people.

“I invited the Pope to visit Ukraine. This would be a powerful signal of support for our people.