Zelenskyy discusses war, POWs and abducted Ukrainian children with Pope Leo XIV

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is visiting Rome on Tuesday 9 December, discussed Russia's war, prisoners of war and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia during his meeting with Pope Leo XIV.

As reported by The Holy See's press service, Pope Leo XIV received the Ukrainian president in an audience at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo.

During the conversation, which focused on the war in Ukraine, the pontiff stressed the need to continue dialogue aimed at ending hostilities.

He also expressed his hope that "the current diplomatic initiatives bring about a just and lasting peace".

In addition, Zelenskyy and the Pope discussed the issue of prisoners of war and the need to ensure the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia to their families.

Zelenskyy is also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni later in the day.

Zelenskyy's diplomatic tour comes after a series of meetings between Ukrainian and US representatives concerning a potential "peace deal".

Read also: Security at a crossroads. How US and Russia push for a new European order through "peace" in Ukraine