In a Telegram post following the audience, Zelensky thanked the newly elected pontiff for his “clear voice in defense of a just and lasting peace” and for the Holy See’s willingness to serve as a venue for future talks.
The Ukrainian leader said he also expressed gratitude for ongoing humanitarian support.
The meeting came a week after Pope Leo, the first pope from the United States, publicly invited Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky to hold talks in Rome, a proposal Putin declined in favor of sending envoys to Istanbul.
Friday’s Russian-Ukrainian meeting in Turkey ended without a ceasefire.
Inaugural message
Celebrating Mass before tens of thousands in St Peter’s Square, the 69-year-old pontiff warned against “hatred, violence, prejudice” and an economic model that “marginalizes the poorest.”
He pledged to govern “without ever yielding to the temptation to be an autocrat.”
Dignitaries at the service included U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and heads of state or envoys from more than 100 countries.
Pilgrims cheered as the pope toured the square in his popemobile before receiving the pallium and Fisherman’s Ring, symbols of papal authority.
War context
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. Zelensky has repeatedly sought Vatican mediation, while the Holy See has maintained back-channel contacts with Moscow.
On Saturday, a Russian drone strike in Ukraine’s Sumy region killed nine civilians, prompting Zelensky to urge the West to tighten sanctions on Moscow.
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Source: Polskie Radio 24, BBC