Zelensky is preparing for a possible meeting with the Pope in Rome on Sunday, May 18, but the exact date and format of the meeting still depend on the course of negotiations and diplomatic processes within the context of the Ukraine-Russia conflict
This was reported by the Ukrainian president in a recent interview with several prestigious international media outlets, including the Liberation newspaper, emphasizing that everything will depend on the situation on the diplomatic front in the coming days. According to Zelensky, "it is likely" that he will meet with the new head of the Catholic Church on Sunday, but a final decision has not yet been made: "Everything depends on how negotiations proceed and the development of events in relations with Russia. It may happen if the situation is favorable." Sources indicate that these negotiations are bringing Ukrainian leadership closer to decisive steps toward establishing dialogue with the Vatican. Zelensky himself noted that he had had the first warm and constructive conversation with the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, during which he extended an invitation for delegations to visit Kyiv. "Such a visit could provide genuine spiritual support to the Ukrainian people and our faithful," the president remarked, highlighting the importance of strengthening moral support during this difficult time. Zelensky emphasized that his relations with the new pontiff are already beginning to improve and have the potential for further development. "This was our first conversation — warm, sincere, and constructive. We discussed possibilities for cooperation and emphasized the importance of peace and humanitarian initiatives," he added, noting that future steps will depend on the political and diplomatic situation. The background of this event is quite important for understanding Ukraine’s diplomatic moves. On May 8, a week before the announced possibility of a meeting, the Vatican officially announced the election of 69-year-old American cardinal Robert Francis Prevo as the new Pope. He will take the name Leo XIV. Zelensky already congratulated him on this significant historical milestone and expressed hope that his election would promote active support from the Vatican in the search for a just peace in Ukraine. The political leadership stressed that the role of the new Pope in facilitating dialogue is especially significant for exploring diplomatic avenues to end the conflict and stabilize the situation. Another important aspect was Leo XIV’s appeal to all parties in the region. On May 11, the pontiff called for "sincere and lasting peace" in our country and urged an immediate cessation of hostilities and violence in the Ukrainian sector. He emphasized the need to release hostages and seek diplomatic compromise, underscoring his own position on resolving the conflict through dialogue and humanitarian initiatives. According to the Ukrainian president, there is hope that this diplomatic dialogue with the Vatican and the possible meeting with the Pope will become some of the steps toward building peace and restoring trust in international relations. Although the exact date remains uncertain, Kyiv and beyond hope that clarity and a positive outcome of the negotiations will emerge in the coming days. After all, such a diplomatic resolution to the conflict remains the most important priority for Ukraine’s leadership, religious leaders, and international partners at this time. Overall, these events confirm that the path of open dialogue and the pursuit of peace remains one of the main goals of Ukrainian diplomacy during this challenging period, and a potential historic meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and the Pope could occur in the very near future, provided the diplomatic processes develop favorably.