**Ukrainian President Meets with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican**
In a significant diplomatic move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on May 18. This meeting comes after the pontiff’s inauguration mass and marks Zelensky’s first in-person encounter with the new pope.
The visit is part of Zelensky’s European tour, where he has been seeking support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. The Ukrainian president was accompanied by First Lady Olena Zelenska and Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak during the inauguration mass, which drew a massive crowd of 250,000 pilgrims and 156 foreign delegations.
**A Message of Peace**
During his address to the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the need for an “authentic and lasting peace” in Ukraine. This message echoes his earlier public statement on May 11, where he expressed his solidarity with the Ukrainian people and condemned Russia’s invasion as a “true invasion, imperialist in nature.”
The pope’s stance on the conflict has been clear, even before becoming the head of the Catholic Church. As Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru, he denounced Russia’s actions in Ukraine, describing them as an attempt to “conquer territory for reasons of power.” His comments reflect a growing international condemnation of Russia’s actions and highlight the need for a peaceful resolution.
**A Neutral Venue for Peace Negotiations?**
The visit also sparked speculation about the Vatican serving as a neutral venue for future peace negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested this possibility on May 17, stating that both sides might be comfortable holding talks at the Vatican. This idea is not new, but it highlights the potential for diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the conflict.
**A Symbolic Gesture**
Zelensky’s meeting with Pope Leo XIV marks a significant moment in Ukrainian history and underlines the importance of international support for Ukraine. The fact that the pope received a list of Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia during their meeting is also a testament to his commitment to the cause.
In conclusion, this visit has sent a clear message of solidarity with Ukraine and emphasized the need for peace negotiations. As the world watches the developments in Ukraine, it remains to be seen how these diplomatic efforts will shape the future of the conflict.
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