VATICAN - The pope's comments echo Zelensky's frequent demands for a "just" peace as the Ukrainian leader tries to ensure that any agreement to end Russia's war in Ukraine is balanced. Pope Leo called for continued dialogue to seek a "just and lasting peace" in Ukraine during a meeting on Tuesday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Vatican said. Zelensky, who arrived in Italy after talks in London on Monday, thanked the pontiff "for his constant prayers for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, as well as for his calls for a just peace," and invited him to visit Ukraine. Leo, who was elected in May, has followed in the footsteps of his late predecessor, Francis, in repeatedly calling for an end to the war in Ukraine and at one point suggested he could host peace talks. The offer was never taken up.