Milan, May 12 (LaPresse) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on social media that he had spoken with Pope Leo XIV, noting that it was their "first conversation" and adding that he invited him "to make an apostolic visit to Ukraine," saying such a visit "would give real hope to all believers and to our entire nation." "I spoke with Pope Leo XIV. It was our first conversation, but already very warm and truly meaningful. I thanked His Holiness for his support for Ukraine and for all our people. We deeply appreciate his words on the need to achieve a just and lasting peace for our country and on the release of prisoners," Zelensky wrote in a post on X. "I also reiterated Ukraine’s willingness to continue negotiations in any form, including direct talks — a position we have emphasized repeatedly. Ukraine wants to end this war and is doing everything possible to reach that goal. Now we await similar steps from Russia," he continued.
Finally, Zelensky said he had "invited His Holiness to make an apostolic visit to Ukraine." "We agreed to stay in touch and to plan a face-to-face meeting in the near future," the Ukrainian president concluded.
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