Pope: Plan for Ukraine visit ready but difficult to implement

The pontiff said this during a private audience, Ukrinform reports, citing ANSA.

"It would be good to go to Kyiv. A visit plan is already ready, but it is difficult to implement," he said.

The Pope specified that the difficulties were related to security issues, adding that the Vatican has already completed the coordination stage for a possible visit to Ukraine.

He also expressed hope that all parties would make efforts to achieve a "just and lasting peace" in Ukraine and called on Italian diplomats to contribute to this goal.

The Pope said he hopes to visit Ukraine but did not name a specific date.

On December 9, Pope Leo XIV received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During the audience, they discussed the war in Ukraine, and Zelensky invited the pontiff to visit Ukraine, noting that such a visit "will be a strong signal of support for our people."

Photo: Vatican Media