Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday expressed deep appreciation for the humanitarian assistance provided by Pope Leo following their meeting at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo.

Zelensky, in a post on X, said he updated the Pope on Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts with the United States aimed at ending the war.

“I informed the Pope about diplomatic efforts with the United States to achieve peace. We discussed further actions and the Vatican’s mediation aimed at returning our children abducted by Russia,” he wrote.

The Ukrainian leader added that he had invited the pontiff to visit Ukraine.

Pope Calls for Continued Dialogue Toward ‘Just and Lasting Peace’

Following the meeting, the Vatican said Pope Leo emphasized the need for sustained diplomatic engagement to secure a “just and lasting peace.”

The pontiff “reiterated the need for the continuation of dialogue and expressed his urgent desire that the current diplomatic initiatives bring about a just and lasting peace,” the statement said.