Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected American head of the Catholic Church, has pledged to dedicate himself to achieving world peace and offered the Vatican's services as a mediator in global conflicts, emphasizing that war is never unavoidable. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the Pope's offer and reiterated Ukraine's commitment to ending the war with Russia. Pope Leo has consistently called for peace since his election, advocating for dialogue and rejecting simplistic divisions of good and evil. He has specifically called for peace in Ukraine, a Gaza ceasefire with hostage release, and acknowledged the India-Pakistan ceasefire. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the Pope's willingness to mediate and his desire for a direct meeting with Russia. Pope Leo's conversation with Zelenskyy was his first known interaction with a foreign leader as Pope, during which he offered to facilitate peace talks as leaders gather for his inauguration. Zelenskyy intends to attend the inauguration and is open to sideline meetings.