**Ukrainian President Zelensky May Attend Inaugural Mass of New Pope in Vatican**
In a significant move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may attend the inaugural mass of the newly elected Pope Leo at the Vatican this Sunday. According to Andriy Yermak, Zelensky’s chief of staff, the President is planning to come, but his attendance will depend on the outcome of potential peace talks scheduled in Turkey this week.
The event marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church as it welcomes its new leader, who was elected on May 8. Several global leaders are expected to attend the ceremony, taking place in St. Peter’s Square. Yermak expressed optimism that Zelensky would be able to attend, saying “He (Zelensky) is planning to come, but you know that before (Sunday) we have some other very important meetings.”
**Pope Leo Shows Support for Ukraine**
In a phone call with Zelensky on Monday, Pope Leo expressed his willingness to facilitate meetings between global leaders and vowed to support efforts for “a just and lasting peace.” Yermak confirmed that the new pontiff spoke warmly about Ukraine and reacted positively to an invitation to visit the country.
This marks a significant departure from the previous papacy of Pope Francis, who was criticized for comments suggesting Ukraine should have the courage to negotiate with Russia. The Kyiv Independent reported that Pope Francis said Ukraine should “have the courage of the white flag” in negotiating with Russia.
**Expectations High for Key Side Meetings**
While it remains uncertain whether Zelensky will be able to attend, expectations are high for key side meetings between global leaders at the Vatican. Yermak acknowledged past tensions between Kyiv and the Vatican during Pope Francis’s tenure but expressed cautious optimism that the new papacy would continue some of the previous policy while also introducing new initiatives.
The United States has yet to announce who will represent the Trump administration at Sunday’s Mass, but expectations are high for key side meetings. The meeting comes just days after Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump met in St. Peter’s Basilica during the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26.
**A New Era for Ukraine-Vatican Relations?**
As Ukraine and Russia continue to navigate their ongoing conflict, Yermak hinted that a new era may be dawning in relations between Kyiv and the Vatican. “We think it (Leo’s papacy) will be some continuation of the policy of Pope Francis,” he said, noting the Church’s humanitarian aid and efforts to help Ukrainian children taken by Russia.
But at the same time, Yermak emphasized that this would also be a new policy, one that could potentially bring about significant changes in how the Vatican engages with Ukraine. As the world watches the developments unfold, only time will tell if Pope Leo’s papacy will indeed mark a new era for Ukraine-Vatican relations.
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