Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for 30 minutes during the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.
This marked the first encounter between Mr. Zelensky and Mr. Vance since their earlier disagreements in February at the White House concerning the war’s future in Ukraine.
A Ukrainian official indicated that they discussed an upcoming phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Prior to this, Pope Leo XIV held his inaugural private audience as the Catholic leader with Mr. Zelensky, emphasizing aspirations for peace for a “martyred Ukraine.”
Afterward, Mr. Zelensky approached the Pope for a handshake, and he and his wife participated in a private audience with the pontiff.
Watch: Volodymyr Zelensky meets US Vice President JD Vance in Rome
A video released by the Vatican showed the Pope greeting the Ukrainian leader with, “Nice to see you again.”
Once seated, he expressed his apologies for making the couple wait.
As is tradition, they exchanged gifts.
Pope Leo had two private audiences on that day.
The second was with President Dina Boluarte of Peru, a nation where the pontiff served as a missionary for two decades and holds citizenship.
Volodymyr Zelensky openly confronted Donald Trump regarding his lenient stance towards Vladimir Putin.
Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena had a personal meeting with the Pope.
Earlier in his homily, Pope Leo articulated his desire for the Church to be a “leaven for a reconciled world,” advocating for peace.
In response, Mr. Zelensky expressed gratitude on Telegram, stating: “We appreciate the special words spoken today during the solemn mass about the necessity of a just peace and the attention given to Ukraine and our people.”
“Every nation deserves to thrive in peace and security,” he added.
He congratulated the Pope on the commencement of his “special mission.”
“May the prayers for just peace and dignified existence for all be heard,” he remarked.
The Ukrainian President and the new pontiff exchanged gifts during their meeting.
The late Pope Francis had several conversations with Mr. Zelensky and repeatedly called for an end to the violence in Ukraine, even appointing a special envoy who traveled to Kyiv and Moscow.
However, many Ukrainians harbor resentment toward him for not explicitly condemning Russia’s invasion and urging Ukraine to raise a “white flag.”
This week, Russia and Ukraine engaged in their first direct talks in over three years, yet no truce was established.
During his Regina Coeli prayer at the mass’s conclusion, Leo also remarked: “In Gaza, children, families, and elderly survivors are faced with hunger.” He also highlighted how “in Myanmar, new conflicts have shattered innocent young lives.”
