Pope to meet Zelensky, recalls 'martyred Ukraine'
"The martyred Ukraine is waiting for negotiations for a just and lasting peace to finally happen," the pontiff said ahead of the meeting.
Pope Leo XIV talks to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) and his wife Olena Zelenska (L) after a Holy mass for the beginning of his pontificate, in St Peter's basilica in The Vatican on May 18, 2025. (Photos by AFP)
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Pope Leo XIV will hold his first private audience Sunday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after the US pontiff's inauguration mass, the Vatican said.
"The martyred Ukraine is waiting for negotiations for a just and lasting peace to finally happen," the pontiff said ahead of the meeting.
Zelensky was among politicians, royals and faith leaders from around the world who attended the mass inaugurating the start of Leo's papacy.
European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen (C, L) speaks with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky as they attend a Holy Mass for the Beginning of the Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, in St Peter's square in The Vatican on May 18, 2025.
In St Peter's Square, the Ukrainian leader shook hands of US Vice President JD Vance.
In his Regina Coeli prayer at the end of the mass, Leo also noted that "in Gaza, children, families and elderly survivors are reduced to hunger".
And he recalled how "in Myanmar, new hostilities have destroyed innocent young lives".