**Pope Leo XIV Receives Invitations from Ukraine and Other Countries**
In a surprise move, Pope Leo XIV has already received invitations to visit various countries just five days into his papacy. The Vatican reports that Türkiye, Ukraine, and Peru are among the first destinations planned for the new Pontiff.
One of the most significant invitations came from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who extended a personal invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit Kyiv on an apostolic visit. This was the first official call to a foreign head of state by His Holiness since ascending to the papacy in 2022.
**A Contrast to His Predecessor**
The invitation from Ukraine is particularly noteworthy given the stance taken by his predecessor, Pope Francis, who often refrained from directly naming Russia as the aggressor and instead spoke of “brotherhood” between Ukrainians and Russians. This approach drew criticism from many countries.
In contrast, Pope Leo XIV has been outspoken against Russian aggression in Ukraine. Before becoming pope, he condemned Russian actions as a “real invasion, imperialist in nature, aimed at seizing territory for the sake of power.”
**A Hopeful Visit**
President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Pope Leo XIV for his support of Ukraine and the Vatican’s efforts in helping return children deported to Russia. He described such a visit as bringing “true hope” to all believers and the Ukrainian nation.
The question remains whether Pope Leo XIV will visit only Kyiv or also Moscow, following in the footsteps of his predecessor who emphasized the importance of visiting both capitals.
**A Sign of Shift in Vatican Policy?**
Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Ukraine could be seen as a sign of shift in Vatican policy towards Russia and Ukraine. The new pope has already shown particular attention to Ukraine, personally addressing the Ukrainian people with a prayer for peace during his first Angelus address.
The implications of this visit are far-reaching and may signal a new era of diplomatic engagement between the Vatican and countries affected by Russian aggression. As the world watches, one thing is certain – Pope Leo XIV’s papacy will be marked by a strong stance against aggression and a commitment to peace and reconciliation.
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