Ukraine's ambassador to the Vatican during the presentation of credentials discussed with the Pope the need for his visit to Ukraine.
Andriy Yurash told Reuters on Thursday.
Yurash said Ukraine expects Russia to suspend hostilities during the Pope's possible visit to Kyiv.
"We have discussed many things on the agenda right now, above all the possible visit of His Holiness to Ukraine," Jurasz said in an interview on the sidelines of a diplomatic event in Rome.
"I made more arguments as to why this should be realized as soon as possible and in this particular context," he said.
Francis told reporters during a weekend visit to Malta that he was considering a trip to Kiev to call for peace. Francis said the issue is "on the table." Francis has been invited to Ukraine by President Volodymyr Zelensky, Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko and UGCC head Sviatoslav Shevchuk.
"If Russia realizes that the Pope is coming to Ukraine, it will surely stop bombing the central and northern part, that's for sure," Yurash said.
He said he left his meetings at the Vatican with the feeling that "there is a lot of inner spiritual desire to make the trip," but no commitment yet.
According to Jurasz, Russia is pressuring the Vatican not to let the Pope go to Ukraine.
"It is becoming increasingly clear to everyone and to the Pope that a possible positive response to this challenge to visit Ukraine is becoming increasingly vital in terms of helping Ukraine (stop the war)," he said.
