Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that he has invited Pope Francis to visit Ukraine.

"In the morning, I spoke with His Holiness Pope Francis about the search for peace for Ukraine, for our state, about the atrocities of the invaders, about humanitarian corridors to the surrounded cities. I thanked His Holiness for a clear and strong position against the war and for prayers for Ukraine. I invited him to visit our state at this crucial time. I believe that we will be able to organize this important visit, which will definitely support every one of us," Zelensky said in a video address in the early hours of Wednesday.

Zelensky said earlier that he would welcome the Vatican's role as a mediator to stop human suffering in Ukraine.