Pope Leo XIV has called for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza with the release of hostages and delivery of humanitarian aid.

On Sunday, following his first Sunday mass as leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who marked the occasion with a gift: An image of the Madonna and child painted on a wood panel from an artillery crate used on the frontlines of its war against Russia.

Pope Leo XIV expressed his willingness to host the next round of talks in the Vatican to bring the end of Russia's war in Ukraine closer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on May 20, according to the Italian government's website.

Pope Leo XIV held his inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, May 18, 2025, drawing world leaders to Rome for the second time in less than a month.Elected after the Easter Monday death of Pope Francis,

Pope Leo XIV has met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after his inaugural Mass in the Vatican, where he delivered a message of love and unity to a crowd of 200,000 pilgrims. “We thank the Vatican for its willingness to serve as a platform for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

After meeting Pope Leo XIV Friday, several European bishops said one primary joint concern was the exclusion of the European Union from key international negotiations by the United States, such as peace talks regarding the war in Ukraine.

The talks took place as some on the American Right who had clashed with Pope Francis, Leo’s predecessor, seek better ties with the papacy.