Pope Leo XIV calls for peace in Ukraine during speech at inauguration mass

- 18 May, 14:31
Stock Photo: Getty Images

Pope Leo XIV highlighted Ukraine’s plight during his inauguration ceremony on 18 May.

Source: ANSA, as reported by European Pravda 

Details: In his Regina Caeli address, the Pope described Ukraine as "war-torn" and expressed hope for negotiations to achieve a just and lasting peace, echoing the language used by the late Pope Francis.

He also mentioned the conflict in Gaza, noting that children, families and elderly people there are facing starvation.

Background: 

  • On Sunday 18 May, the inauguration mass marking the start of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate took place.
  • Tens of thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square in Rome, joined by world leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who attended with his wife, Olena Zelenska.
  • Zelenskyy and US Vice President JD Vance were reported to have shaken hands during the mass.

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