The authorities of the Lviv region have initiated an invitation for the Pope to visit Ukraine

Members of the Lviv Regional Council issued an official appeal to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, proposing that he organize an apostolic visit by Pope Leo XIV. The initiative was announced during the celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of John Paul II’s visit to Ukraine.

As noted by regional officials, the spiritual legacy of John Paul II continues to serve as an important guiding light for Ukrainian society during its struggle for freedom. Yaroslav Hasyak, the regional council’s chief of staff, emphasized that the pontiff’s 2001 visit was an event of fundamental importance that shaped the nation’s moral spirit.

The text of the appeal, adopted by the meeting’s participants, emphasizes that a visit by the current head of the Vatican would be a symbolic continuation of these traditions and would demonstrate the Holy See’s unwavering support for Ukraine amid the ongoing military conflict. The celebrations were attended by representatives of the clergy, including Archbishop-Metropolitan Mieczysław Mokrzycki of the Roman Catholic Church, as well as public and political figures.