Pope Leo XIV discussed ceasefire proposals and the crisis in Ukraine with President Zelensky.

Pope Leo XIV had his first phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, discussing ceasefire proposals and the return of Ukrainian children forcibly taken by Russia. Zelensky invited the Pope to visit Ukraine, which he believes would bring hope to the nation. The Vatican confirmed the call but did not provide additional details. Pope Leo's predecessor, Pope Francis, also called for peace in Ukraine but did not explicitly condemn Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Pope Leo XIV also called for the release of imprisoned journalists and urged reporters to avoid words that promote hatred.