Pope Leo XIV addresses Ukrainian pilgrims in their native language
Photo: Pope Leo XIV (Getty Images)
Pope Leo XIV addressed Ukrainians in their native language, sharing a message of support on Twitter. In the post, he expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people, especially with families who have lost loved ones, informs Vatican News.
"I wish to express my closeness to the martyred Ukraine — to the children, the youth, the elderly, and especially to the families who mourn their loved ones. I share in your sorrow for the prisoners and for the victims of this senseless war," Pope Leo wrote.
He emphasized that the faith of the Ukrainian people is currently undergoing a severe test.
"Believing does not mean already having all the answers, but trusting that God is with us and grants us His grace, that He will have the final word, and that life will triumph over death," he said.
Pope greets Ukrainian pilgrims at St. Peter's Basilica
On June 28, the faithful of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church made an official pilgrimage to St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican as part of the Jubilee marked by the theme Pilgrims of Hope.
After passing through the Holy Door of the basilica, bishops and faithful gathered in front of the main altar, at noon, Pope Leo XIV joined them.
The Holy Father began the gathering with the sign of the cross and greeted them, saying, “Peace be with all of you!”
He welcomed all the pilgrims and noted that their journey was a sign of their desire to renew their faith and strengthen their bond and communion with the Bishop of Rome.
"The faith of your people is now being put to a severe test. Many of you, since the war began, have surely asked yourselves: Lord, why all this? Where are you? What must we do to save our families, our homes, and our homeland? Believing does not mean already having all the answers, but trusting that God is with us and grants us His grace, that He will have the final word, and that life will triumph over death," the Pope said.
Zelenskyy responds to the Pope's speech
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to the Pope's remarks.
"Thank you, Your Holiness, for your continued prayers and compassion for Ukraine and our people. Together, we must stop this wanton Russian aggression and protect innocent lives. A just peace is needed," the President emphasized.
Zelenskyy also called on Pope Leo to assist in the return of Ukrainian prisoners of war and children who were illegally taken to Russia.
"We would also deeply appreciate your kind help in bringing back all our people — adults and children — held in Russian captivity against their will," Zelenskyy added.
Pope urged Putin to pursue peace
Earlier this month, Pope Leo XIV spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin and urged him to work toward peace with Ukraine.
The Kremlin’s press office later reported that during the call, the Russian leader complained to the Pontiff about alleged “Ukrainian terrorist attacks.” Putin also claimed that he is "interested in achieving peace with Ukraine through political and diplomatic means."
Notably, the Kremlin omitted any mention of the Pope's call for a gesture of peace from Russia.
