Pope Leo XIV expressed solidarity with Ukrainian families suffering from the Russian aggression during a Vatican service, prompting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to request papal help in bringing home Ukrainian prisoners of war and deported children.

The Pope participated in a pilgrimage led by His Beatitude Sviatoslav, the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church on 28 June, according to Vatican News. Following the service, Leo XIV published a statement of support in Ukrainian on social media platforms.

“The faith of your people is now being put to a difficult test. Believing does not mean having all the answers, but trusting that God is with us and gives us His grace, that He will speak the final word, and that life will triumph over death,” the Pope added.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy responded by thanking the Pope for his sympathy and made a specific request for Vatican assistance. He called on Leo XIV to help secure the return of Ukrainians held in Russian captivity, including both adults and children detained against their will.

On 26 April, the Vatican also became the site of a significant meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump. During the funeral of Pope Francis, the two leaders met privately for about 15 minutes inside St. Peter’s Basilica.

Both sides described the discussion as positive and potentially historic, focusing on issues such as a ceasefire, civilian protection, and the possibility of a lasting peace.

This encounter was notable as it followed a previously contentious Oval Office meeting earlier in the year after which US-Ukraine relations worsened.