Pope on Zelensky's invitation to visit Ukraine: We must be realistic
Pontiff and Zelensky. Photo: Vatican News
On December 9, 2025, Pope Leo commented at a briefing for journalists on the invitation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to visit Ukraine, reports vaticannews.va.
“I hope so, though I don’t know when. One must also be realistic in these matters; perhaps it will be possible.,” the Pontiff stated at his residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome.
Commenting on the outcomes of the meeting with Zelensky, the Pope said that the main topics of discussion were the war, the ceasefire, and the Church's possibilities in assisting the return of Ukrainian children deported to Russia. According to the Pontiff, this work is being done "behind the scenes" and "is very slow"
Pope Leo XIV confirmed that “the Holy See is available to provide space and opportunities for talks and negotiations,” adding that “So far, the offer has not been accepted, but we remain willing to seek a solution and a peace that is both lasting and just.”
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Zelensky told the Pope about negotiations with the USA and invited him to Ukraine.
Read also
Prosecutor’s Office demands All Saints Church of OCU in Pochaiv be returned to state
The supervisory authority insists on overturning the registration decisions through which the church was registered as the property of the Pochaiv Holy Dormition Lavra.
France to ban social media for children under 15
The initiative to restrict minors' access to digital platforms has received the support of the President of France and is being prepared for parliamentary discussion.
Patriarch of Antioch: Middle East is a land of Christians, we won't leave it
During the New Year's service in Damascus, the Primate of the Antiochian Church stated that Christians will not leave the region despite wars and pressure.
Bulgarian hierarch comments on Patriarch Daniel's visit to Istanbul
Metropolitan Ioann of Varna shared details of the Bulgarian Church delegation's visit to Phanar.
Trump helps sell portrait of Christ for $3 million at charity auction
The U.S. President, while leading an auction at the New Year's Eve event, facilitated the sale of a painting depicting Jesus Christ, the proceeds of which will be directed to charity.
Greek Church bishops criticize EU plan to finance abortions
Representatives of the Church of Greece stated that the EU initiative to support abortions is leading Europe to demographic decline.