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
Bulgarian Patriarch venerates St Gabriel Urgebadze at Samtavro Monastery
The Primate of the Bulgarian Church venerated the relics of Saint Gabriel at Samtavro Monastery in Georgia.
OCU academy students are taught to handle firearms and UAVs
A spiritual educational institution of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine has begun teaching how to handle firearms.
In Rivne region, exhumation of Volhynian Massacre victims begins
Poland insisted on the exhumation of Poles killed during World War II by UPA fighters.
Prosecutor's Office attempting to seize UOC temple in central Odesa through court, lawyer
The case on the Church of the "Sign" Icon of the Mother of God of the Odesa Eparchy will be considered by the Cassation Commercial Court of Kyiv.
Dumenko takes control of St. Volodymyr's Cathedral in Kyiv
Serhiy Dumenko handed clerics of St. Volodymyr's Cathedral decrees stating that they are now affiliated with the OCU.
Christian population in Syria decreases by 80%, report says
British government analytics records a decline in the number of Christians in Syria from over 2 million to about 500,000 amid war and migration.