Pope Leo XIV on Saturday acknowledged the suffering of Ukraine; President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to his words, urging assistance in bringing back Ukrainians held by Russia.

Source: "European Truth"

Details: On Saturday, June 28, Pope Leo XIV released a statement regarding Ukraine on his official page in X in Ukrainian language. 

"I wish to express my solidarity with the suffering Ukraine, with children, youth, elderly people, and especially with families mourning their loved ones. I share your pain for the captives and victims of this senseless war", – the statement reads.

Just hours later, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky reacted to the post, thanking the Pope for "his continuous prayers and sympathy for Ukraine and our people".

"Together we must stop this arbitrary Russian aggression and protect innocent lives. We need a just peace. We would also be deeply grateful for your assistance in returning all our people – adults and children – who are being held in Russian captivity against their will", – wrote Zelensky. 

It is worth noting that the Vatican shared that in his first conversation with the ruler of the Russian Federation in early June, Leo XIV called on him to "make a gesture towards peace". 

Pope Leo XIV offered the Vatican as a venue for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. This idea was supported by Kyiv, European nations, and the USA, but Moscow declined.