Zelensky meets with Pope Leo after inaugural Mass

New pontiff ready to host peace talks

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President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine attended Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass on Sunday and met later with the new pontiff in private, days after Pope Leo expressed a personal desire to help end the war with Russia.

The meeting took place after the newly elected pope offered on Friday to host talks between Ukraine and Russia at the Vatican and said he would make every effort so that peace could prevail.

“The Holy See is always ready to help bring enemies together, face to face, to talk to one another,” Pope Leo added.

The pope's secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said the offer was “the availability of a space” and called the Vatican an “appropriate place” for peace talks.

In the service at St Peter's Basilica on Sunday, Pope Leo spoke forcefully about people suffering because of wars around the world.

“Martyred Ukraine awaits negotiations for a just and lasting peace,” Pope Leo said at the end of the service, echoing language used by his predecessor, Pope Francis.