Pope Leo XIV has met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shortly after his inauguration Mass at St Peter’s Square, reaffirming the Vatican’s support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
Zelensky, in a post shared on Telegram, expressed gratitude to the newly elected pontiff for his unwavering backing of Ukraine, stating, “Thank you for your support for Ukraine and your clear voice in defence of a just and lasting peace.”
Earlier, during his inaugural Mass, Pope Leo XIV addressed thousands gathered in the square, drawing attention to the ongoing war in Ukraine and using the occasion to caution against growing global inequality, the marginalisation of the poor, and the dangers of rising autocracy.
The Mass and subsequent meeting drew several world leaders, including US Vice President JD Vance and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
