Head of the Greek Catholic Church invites Pope Leo XIV to visit Ukraine

The Vatican did not issue an official statement following the meeting held on Thursday between Pope Leo XIV and His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk, Major Archbishop of Kiev-Galicia, but the Pope's position on the conflict in Ukraine remains clear: a just and lasting peace.

The meeting, one of the newly elected Pope's first engagements, took place just days after his election on May 8 and marked an important moment in the Holy See's diplomatic efforts.

Shevchuk thanked the Pope for his support for Ukraine and his calls for a peaceful resolution to the war started by Russia. He handed him a list of names of Ukrainian prisoners currently held by Russian authorities and invited him to visit his country, a proposal that the Pope received with understanding, but which at the moment remains unclear whether it will be carried out.

During his public messages, including the first Angelus blessing and a special address to pilgrims from Eastern Rite churches, Pope Leo XIV has stressed the need for concrete efforts towards peace. “I bear in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people,” he said, calling on the international community to work for the release of prisoners and the return of children taken from Russia to their families.

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said on Thursday that it was "premature" to consider a papal visit to Kiev, despite a phone call between the Pope and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this week in which the topic was raised.

Pope Leo XIV, though new to the office, has pledged unwavering commitment to fostering dialogue and brokering peace in conflict zones. “The Holy See is always ready to help bring enemies together, face to face, so that peoples may regain the dignity they deserve — the dignity of peace,” he said.

The official appointment of Pope Leo XIV will take place on Sunday during a special Mass at the Vatican, which is expected to be attended by President Zelenskyy and US Vice President JD Vance.

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