Pope Leo XIV meets Zelensky! Ukrainian President: Thank you for your support

2025-05-18 19:48:28Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Pope Leo XIV meets Zelensky! Ukrainian President: Thank you for your support

Pope Leo XIV met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, after the conclusion of his inauguration Mass at the Vatican.

After the meeting, Zelensky shared a message on Telegram, thanking the Pope for his unwavering support for Ukraine and for his firm stance in favor of a just and long-term peace.

In a speech to thousands of attendees in St. Peter's Square, the Pope stressed the urgent need for peace in Ukraine and warned of the dangers of excluding the poor and setting up autocracy. The ceremony was attended by senior political figures, including President Zelensky, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

A significant moment was when the Ukrainian Pope and President were photographed shaking hands - a symbolic gesture that marked the Holy See's support for diplomatic efforts. Zelensky also praised the role of the Vatican as a possible venue for conducting direct talks with Russia.

Pope Leo XIV made this offer last week, after Russian President Vladimir Putin refused to accept a face-to-face meeting with Zelensky in Turkey. During the Mass, the Pope harshly criticized hatred, violence, prejudice, and an economic system that damages the environment and neglects the weakest. At the end of the ceremony, thousands of worshippers stood in reverence as the Pope blessed the crowd and called for global unity and justice.


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