"We hope for support": Zelensky congratulates new Pope

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has published a congratulatory message addressed to the new Pope Leo XIV. The Head of State expressed hope that the Vatican would continue to support Ukraine under the new pontiff. The greeting was published on Zelenskyy’s Telegram channel.

“I sincerely congratulate Pope Leo XIV on his election to the throne of St. Peter and the beginning of his pontificate. Ukraine highly appreciates the consistent position of the Holy See on the observance of international law, condemnation of the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and protection of the rights of innocent civilians. At this decisive moment for our country, we hope for further moral and spiritual support from the Vatican for Ukraine’s efforts to restore justice and achieve lasting peace,” — Zelensky wrote.

On April 4, 2025, Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, had a telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The parties discussed the details of the settlement of the Russian-Ukrainian war.