Will Pope Leo XIV visit Ukraine? Here's what the Vatican says
Pope Leo XIV (Getty Images)
It is likely still too early for the new Pope Leo XIV to visit Kyiv. For now, he cannot respond to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's invitation, said the Vatican Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, according to La Repubblica.
"No, it's too early (referring to the visit to Ukraine – ed.). There was an invitation from President Zelenskyy, and now the Pope will think about what to do, but how can I say 'yes' or 'no'?" said Parolin.
In his opinion, even the pontiff himself is unlikely to agree to or decline the visit at this point.
Zelenskyy's invitation
On May 12, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with the new Pope, Leo XIV. Among other things, they discussed the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia.
During the call, Zelenskyy invited the pontiff to visit Ukraine, noting that such a visit would bring hope to all Ukrainian believers.
Just a day later, on May 13, La Repubblica reported that Ukraine is one of the potential countries Pope Leo XIV may choose for his first international visit.
However, there has been no official confirmation of this information so far.
