Popping a Prayer for Pope Leo XIV to Back Ukraine's Fight
Pope Leo XIV's potential backing sought by Zelensky for Ukraine's cause - Zelensky expresses his hope for backing from the recently ascended Pope Leo XIV for Ukraine's cause.
The Vatican has been a staunch supporter of international law, consistently criticizing Russia's military aggression against Ukraine and safeguarding innocent civilians, as per President Volodymyr Zelensky. He extends his hopes for the new Pope, Leo XIV, applauding him for the wisdom, inspiration, and strength to execute his divine mission.
Elected in 2025 as the first U.S.-born Pope, Leo XIV has yet to express a personal stance on supporting Ukraine in their ongoing battle with Russia. However, Zelensky and Ukraine's Foreign Minister have publicly voiced their desires and faith in the new Pope's moral and spiritual leadership to advocate for Ukraine [3].
On congratulating Leo XIV, Zelensky highlighted Ukraine's gratitude for the Holy See's unwavering stand in maintaining international law, denouncing Russia's aggression, and shielding innocent lives. He hopes that the new Pope will provide further moral and spiritual encouragement to help establish justice and ensure lasting peace in Ukraine [1].
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha echoed Zelensky's sentiments, welcoming Leo XIV to his new post and extending an invitation to visit Ukraine. Sybiha believes the Pope's moral guidance could lead to an end to the ongoing war and the restoration of justice [1].
In essence, although Pope Leo XIV has yet to publicly declare his explicit support for Ukraine, Ukrainian leadership anticipates and prays that he continues and potentially intensifies the Vatican's moral support in the wake of the Russian invasion [1][3].
- President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukraine's Foreign Minister have expressed their hopes and faith in Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected Pope, to utilize his wisdom, inspiration, and strength to advocate for Ukraine in their ongoing battle with Russia.
- The Vatican, under Pope Leo XIV, is anticipated to continue its unwavering stance in denouncing Russia's aggression against Ukraine and safeguarding innocent civilians, similar to its actions under previous Popes.
- In a public statement, President Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s gratitude for the Holy See's consistent support of international law and its denouncement of Russia's aggression, and expressed hopes that Pope Leo XIV would provide further moral and spiritual encouragement to help establish justice and ensure lasting peace in Ukraine.
- Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, sharing Zelensky's sentiments, has extended an invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit Ukraine, believing the Pope's moral guidance could lead to an end to the ongoing war and the restoration of justice.
