Zelensky assures Pope Leo of his readiness for direct talks with Russia
Volodymyr Zelensky wants to end the war. Photo: AP
On May 12, 2025, Volodymyr Zelensky reported on his official Telegram channel that he had held a phone conversation with the new Pope, Leo XIV. According to him, the conversation was "very warm and truly substantive."
Zelensky "informed" the Pope about Ukraine's agreement with its partners that "starting today, a complete, unconditional ceasefire should begin for at least 30 days."
He also "confirmed his readiness for further negotiations in any format, including direct talks."
He assured that "Ukraine wants to end this war and is doing everything for it. We expect corresponding steps from Russia."
Additionally, Zelensky invited Pope Leo to "make an apostolic visit to Ukraine."
"Such a visit would bring real hope to all believers, to all our people," Zelensky underscored, adding that there was an agreement for a "personal meeting in the near future."
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Presidential Office ruled out the Vatican's involvement in mediation with Russia due to Pope Francis's pro-Russian stance.
Read also
Kosovo to enact law restricting Serbian Church, experts say
Analysts warn that the new "Law on Foreigners" in Kosovo could restrict the presence of clergy, believers' access to shrines, and increase pressure on the Serbian community.
Congress Speaker: Demand to introduce Sharia law in USA is a serious problem
The Speaker of the House of Representatives stated that there is growing concern in society about attempts to impose Islamic law, which is incompatible with the American Constitution.
UK government introduces restrictions on "anti-Muslim hostility"
UK authorities have adopted a new definition of "Islamophobia" which, according to experts, could provide Muslims with special protection and restrict freedom of speech.
Dumenko brings icon in Church Slavonic to Ministry of Health
Epifaniy presented cardiologists with an Intercession icon, with inscriptions in Church Slavonic, which his structure calls a "sign of the Moscow tradition".
ISIS supporters carries out terrorist attack at anti-Islamic protest in NY
Near the home of New York's Muslim mayor, radicals threw two makeshift bombs at protesters during an anti-Islamic rally.
Hryshchuk: If UOC hands over its church itself, angle grinders aren't needed
An OCU chaplain called on UOC believers to accept the loss of the shrine for the sake of their own "enlightenment".