Pope Leo XIV invites Ukrainian leader to Vatican amid war discussions

In Vatican City on Thursday, May 8, 2025, Pope Leo XIV held a significant meeting with His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk, the head of the Greek Catholic Church in Ukraine. This meeting was among the first private audiences of Leo's papacy, highlighting his commitment to advocating for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine caused by Russia. During their conversation, Shevchuk extended an invitation to the Pope to visit Ukraine and shared a list of prisoners currently held by Russia. This aligns with the Vatican's historical efforts to mediate through prisoner exchanges, especially concerning the plight of Ukrainian children relocated in Russian-occupied territories. Despite the significant discussions, there was no official statement released by the Vatican following this notable audience. Following his election, Pope Leo XIV articulated his empathy towards the Ukrainian people, expressing a desire for peace and freedom for all prisoners. He urged that genuine, lasting peace be pursued as a priority. Pope Leo emphasized the Holy See's readiness to facilitate dialogue between conflicting parties, a movement consistent with the Vatican's long-standing diplomatic neutrality. On May 18, 2025, the Pope was expected to take part in his formal installation during a Mass, attended by notable figures including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. Vice President JD Vance. This inauguration served as an important symbolic occasion in the Vatican’s diplomatic endeavors, as both the Pope and attendees called for unity and peace amidst the backdrop of ongoing warfare in Ukraine. The Pope’s inaugural address highlighted a broader vision for a just world where marginalized voices, especially those of the poor, are heard and addressed, reinforcing his opposition to autocracy and advocating for hope and dignity for all peoples, especially those affected by the conflict in Ukraine.