Zelenskyy Appeals to Pope Leo XIV to Help Repatriate Ukrainian Children Deported by Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held his first phone call with newly elected Pope Leo XIV on May 12.

“I thanked His Holiness for his support of Ukraine and all our people. We deeply value his words about the need to achieve a just and lasting peace for our country and the release of prisoners, ‘ Zelenskyy wrote on his official account on X.

The president also noted that he discussed with the pontiff the plight of thousands of Ukrainian children deported by Russia. Zelenskyy expressed hope that the Vatican would help facilitate their return home.

Additionally, Zelenskyy invited Pope Leo XIV to visit Ukraine: “Such a visit would bring real hope to all believers and to all our people.”

On May 11, Pope Leo XIV made his first public remarks on Russia’s war against Ukraine, delivering a clear and firm condemnation of Russia’s actions.

European leaders have set a May 12 deadline for Russian leader Vladimir Putin to agree to a 30-day ceasefire, a proposal reportedly backed by US President Donald Trump.

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