Pope to meet Zelensky after inauguration Mass

By Faith Barbara N Ruhinda Updated at 1742 EAT on Sunday 18 May 2025

Following the mass, Pop Leo XIV is sheduled to meet privately with President Zelensky.

During the mass, Pop reffered to Ukraine as a “martyred” nation, emphasizing the country’s suffering and the need for “just and lasting peace” President Zelensky has previously Congratulated Pop Leo XIV on his election and expressed hop for Vatican’s continued moral and Spiritual support for Ukraine in its efforts to restore to achieve justice and everlasting peace.

The meeting between Pop Leo XIV and Zelensky underscores the Vatican’s commitment to adressing global humanitarian issues and supporting Ukraine amidist ongoing conflict.

The Pop’s call for peace and the Vatican’s offer to mediate peace talks reflect a continued effort to promote a dialogue and reconciliation in the region.

The Pope spoke to a crowd of thousands in St Peter’s Square to warn against marginalisation of the poor and autocracy.

Zelensky, US Vice President JD Vance and the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio were among dignitaries in attendance.

The pontiff was seen shaking hands with Zelensky, as well as other dignitaries.

He used his Mass to criticise “hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalises the poorest”.

He also said he would seek to govern “without ever yielding to the temptation to be an autocrat”.

Thousands of pilgrims stood in reverence as the pope received the symbols of office, blessed the people and issued a strong call for unity.

Before the Mass, there were cheers from the crowd when the pontiff appeared in his popemobile as it drove around St Peter’s Square and down Via della Conciliazione to the river Tiber and back.

There was a strong sense of excitement in the square.

“I arrived yesterday in the morning and I’m leaving in a few hours, so I don’t have much time. It’s very crazy because there’s so many people. I wanted to see the Pope.”

Many of the tens of thousands attending were Catholics, but tourists also came to be part of the historic occasion.

Joe from Missouri in the United States said: “We’re on vacation, but it’s great timing. We’re here to see the Pope’s inaugural mass. It’s very special. I’m glad we came early.”

He said he was “extra proud” to see the first Pope from the United States. “That was a surprise. He’s gonna be a wonderful Pope. I am not Catholic, but I grew up Catholic, but this is just inspiring no matter what denomination of Christian you are.

Pia said that among the Pope’s first words when he was elected was “Let the peace be with you”, the words of Jesus. And then he said “don’t be afraid”.

“He knows what the world and the church needs. A church that is preaching hope, preaching peace. I think many people are waiting for that,” she said.

The Pope’s official inauguration followed the Mass, with a pallium garment – a white woolen band – placed on the pope’s shoulders, and fixed in place with three pins to represent the nails on the cross.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines then placed on the pope’s finger the Ring of the Fisherman, a symbol of the papacy which bears an image of St Peter.

Pope Leo then took the book of the gospels to bless the people.

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