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Pope Leo XIV, in a departure from his predecessor, spoke with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, expressing strong support for Ukraine and advocating for a just peace, the release of prisoners, and the return of abducted Ukrainian children. Zelenskyy welcomed the Pope's stance and proposed a 30-day ceasefire, which Russia rejected. The new Pope's open support contrasts sharply with the late Pope Francis' more neutral approach, which drew criticism from Ukraine. The conversation focused on the approximately 20,000 Ukrainian children forcibly taken by Russia, a matter for which the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Putin and his commissioner.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.