Zelenskyy thanked the Vatican for its readiness to host a meeting of leaders to end the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine
Kyiv • UNN
The President of Ukraine met with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, thanking him for prayers and support. They discussed diplomatic efforts to end the war and return abducted children.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with the Secretary of the Holy See for Relations with States and International Organizations, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, and thanked him for the Vatican's readiness to host a meeting at the level of leaders and to make efforts to ensure it could take place, reports UNN with reference to the Office of the President.
Details
The head of state thanked for the visit, attention, and prayers for Ukraine. The Archbishop arrived in our country a few days ago, visited one of the districts of Kyiv where people died as a result of a Russian attack, and conveyed words of support from Pope Leo XIV.
Paul Richard Gallagher noted that the delegation of the Holy See witnessed the Russian shelling on the night of July 19 and the dangers that the Ukrainian people are going through.
The President thanked His Holiness and the Vatican for their constant prayers, support for Ukraine and our people.
"We are very grateful that on the Day of Ukrainian Statehood, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi was here. And, of course, we are waiting for the visit of Pope Leo. This could be a very historic moment, a moment of support above all," Zelenskyy emphasized.
During the meeting, diplomatic efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine and negotiations with American partners were discussed. The President thanked for the Vatican's readiness to host a meeting at the level of leaders and to make efforts to ensure it could take place.
The head of state expressed special gratitude to the Vatican for its help in returning Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. Ukraine counts on intensifying the process of returning civilians, including children, who are illegally held captive by Russia.
Also discussed were the activities of the Church in Ukraine and the support of Ukrainians by the clergy. The Archbishop thanked for the transfer of the St. Nicholas Church in Kyiv for use by the Roman Catholic community.
Paul Richard Gallagher assured of the Vatican's support for Ukraine's movement towards the European Union.