Archive · 10 Dec 2025
Pope Calls for Just and Lasting Peace in Ukraine
Pope Leo met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, to talk about how to end the war in Ukraine.
The Pope wants a fair and lasting peace.
They also talked about soldiers who were captured and Ukrainian children who were taken to Russia.
Ukraine says Russia took these children, but Russia says it was to keep them safe.
Ukraine doesn't want to give any of its land to Russia and is working on a peace plan to share with the United States.
The Pope has been praying for Ukraine and wants the war to end.
Pope Leo called for continued dialogue to seek a 'just and lasting peace' in Ukraine during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
The meeting discussed the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia and the issue of prisoners of war.
Ukraine accuses Russia of abducting at least 19,000 children, while Russia denies these accusations.
Zelenskiy ruled out ceding territory to Russia and expressed concerns about a U.S.-backed peace deal.
Ukraine is set to share a revised peace plan with the United States.
- Who
- Pope Leo and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy
- What
- Meeting to discuss peace in Ukraine and related issues
- When
- Tuesday, December 9, 2024
- Where
- Castel Gandolfo, Italy
- Why
- To seek a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and address issues like prisoners of war and abducted children
- Meeting Location
- Castel Gandolfo, Italy
- Participants
- Pope Leo and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy
- Key Topics Discussed
- Prisoners of war, return of Ukrainian children
- Ukraine's Stance on Territory
- Rules out ceding territory to Russia
- Ukraine's Peace Plan
- To be shared with the United States