Pope Leo XIV met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following his inauguration Mass at the Vatican. After the meeting, Zelensky expressed gratitude on Telegram, thanking the newly elected pontiff for his “support for Ukraine” and for being a “clear voice in defence of a just and lasting peace.” During his inaugural address in St Peter’s Square, the Pope spoke out against the ongoing war in Ukraine, warning of the dangers of poverty, marginalisation, and authoritarianism.
Dignitaries including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined Zelensky at the Mass. Images captured the moment Pope Leo warmly greeted the Ukrainian president, who also expressed appreciation for the Vatican’s willingness to act as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia.
Just days earlier, Pope Leo had offered the Vatican as a venue for peace talks after Russian President Vladimir Putin declined Zelensky’s proposal for direct negotiations in Turkey.
In his sermon, the Pope condemned hatred, violence, and exploitation, while promising to lead without succumbing to autocratic tendencies. Pilgrims and tourists packed St Peter’s Square to witness the historic event, many expressing excitement and hope for the future of the Church.
Crowds erupted in applause as the Pope made his way through the square in his popemobile. Among the attendees were Michelle from Germany and Joe from Missouri, both moved by the occasion. Joe, who noted pride in seeing the first U.S.-born Pope, called the experience “inspiring.”
Pia, a Chilean philosophy professor in Rome, said the Pope’s early words of “peace” and “do not be afraid” signaled a hopeful new chapter for the Church. The inauguration concluded with traditional rituals: the placement of the pallium on the Pope’s shoulders, the Ring of the Fisherman on his finger, and a final blessing with the Book of the Gospels.
