Pope Leo holds a private meeting with Zelensky
Zelensky and Pope Leo. Photo: tg24.sky.it
On December 9, 2025, Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Italy as part of a European diplomatic tour, where he held a closed-door meeting with Pope Leo at the Barberini Villa in Castel Gandolfo. The meeting lasted around 30 minutes, after which the Pontiff and the President appeared together on the villa’s balcony for a joint photo.
This was Zelensky’s second meeting with the Pontiff – the previous one also took place in Castel Gandolfo, on July 9, 2025. At that time, issues of peace and humanitarian assistance were discussed, and the Vatican confirmed its readiness to facilitate negotiations.
The topics discussed by the Pope and Zelensky during their latest meeting remain unknown.
Read also
OCU cleric responds to Hryshchuk's provocations at funerals for AFU soldiers
Sofroniy Chuprina refuted claims about the necessity of opening the Royal Doors during funeral services.
Kosmach residents accuse OCU monks of supporting "Russian world" ideas
Parishioners of the OCU stated that the monastery residents near the village of Kosmach use pro-Russian rhetoric, preventing them from switching to the "new calendar".
Medieval church in England safeguarded with National Lottery funds
The preservation of a 13th-century church in Leicestershire was made possible thanks to money from British National Lottery draws.
Lavra Reserve marks centenary of Bolshevik seizure of the monastery
Reconstructions of museum exhibits from the “museum town,” which the Bolsheviks proclaimed within the monastery walls, were staged by the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Reserve.
Sweden stops state support for Islamic organizations in country
The Swedish government has officially stopped all taxpayer-funded grants to the aid organization Islamic Relief Sweden (IRS) after an investigation revealed risks of connections to extremism.
Head of Montenegro’s schismatics meet with Phanar representative in Rome
A Finnish archbishop under the Phanar’s jurisdiction held a meeting with a representative of an uncanonical church structure from Montenegro.