Pope Leo XIV talks to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) and his spouse Olena Zelenska (L) after a Holy mass for the start of his hold forth, in St Peter’s basilica in The Vatican on Might 18, 2025. (AFP)
VATICAN CITY, Holy See – Pope Leo XIV held his first personal viewers as Catholic chief on Sunday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, after highlighting the hopes for peace for a “martyred Ukraine”.
“The martyred Ukraine is ready for negotiations for a simply and lasting peace to lastly occur,” the 69-year-old pope stated in a prayer after the mass.
Zelensky lined as much as shake fingers with Pope Leo afterwards, after which he and his spouse joined the pontiff for a non-public viewers.
In a video revealed by the Vatican, the soft-spoken Leo informed the Ukrainian chief: “Good to see you once more.”
Once they had been all seated, he apologised for making the couple wait.
As is customary, in addition they exchanged presents.
Leo solely had two personal audiences on Sunday.
The opposite was with President Dina Boluarte of Peru, a rustic the place the pontiff labored as a missionary for twenty years and of which he additionally has citizenship.
Particular phrases
Earlier, in his homily, Leo stated he needed the Church to be a “leaven for a reconciled world”, calling for peace.
In response, Zelensky wrote on Telegram: “We’re grateful for the particular phrases spoken at the moment on the solemn mass in regards to the want for a simply peace and for the eye given to Ukraine and our individuals.
“Each nation deserves to dwell in peace and safety.”
He provided his congratulations to the pope “on the start of such a particular mission”.
“Might the prayers for a simply peace and a dignified life for all individuals be heard,” he stated.
The late Pope Francis met Zelensky a number of occasions and repeatedly known as for peace in Ukraine, even appointing a particular envoy who visited Kyiv and Moscow.
However many Ukrainians bear in mind him bitterly for failing to obviously blame Russia for its invasion and calling for Ukraine to boost the “white flag”.
Moscow and Kyiv held their first direct talks in additional than three years this week however didn’t agree a truce.
In his Regina Coeli prayer on the finish of the mass, Leo additionally famous: “In Gaza, kids, households and aged survivors are lowered to starvation.”
And he recalled how “in Myanmar, new hostilities have destroyed harmless younger lives”.
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