Pope Leo XIV mentions Ukraine in inaugural speech
Photo: Pope Leo XIV (Getty Images)
The new Pope Leo XIV mentioned Ukraine in his inauguration speech on Sunday, May 18, specifically noting that peace talks are expected.
In his speech, the pontiff noted that the world is full of divisions and "many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalizes the poorest."
"At this moment, we cannot forget our brothers and sisters suffering because of war. In Gaza: children, families, all those who survived — destroyed by drought. Hostilities have also taken the lives of many young people in Ukraine... Peace talks are expected for peace, lasting peace, and just peace," he said.
The pope also thanked all the Romans and the faithful who came to the mass from around the world.
Robert Francis Prevost becomes new pope
On May 7, cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church began the conclave to elect a new pope. The first day of voting produced no result, but by the next evening, white smoke rose above the Sistine Chapel.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected the new pope and took the name Leo XIV. He is the first pontiff in history to be a US citizen.
In a separate article, RBC-Ukraine gathered everything known about the new pope.
Today, the inauguration mass for Pope Leo XIV was held in Rome. Various world leaders attended the ceremony, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
It has now been announced that Zelenskyy and the new pope have a meeting planned after the mass.
