Zelensky and his wife attended the enthronement ceremony of Pope Leo XIV in Vatican
On the most significant day for the Catholic world, Sunday, the Vatican became the center of global attention: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived here accompanied by the First Lady and high-ranking government officials to participate in the solemn ceremony of enthroning the new and eighth Pope in the history of the Catholic Church — Pope Leo XIV. The ceremonial service, which concluded with the official inauguration of the head of the Roman Catholic Church, took place on May 18 and became a landmark event in international ecclesiastical and political life. The ceremony, attended by delegations from around the world, gathered thousands of believers, clergy, and diplomats united by a shared desire for peace and harmony. Before the start of the ceremony, the Ukrainian president had a bilateral conversation with the new Pope, which took place on May 12. They discussed pressing issues of global security, humanitarian challenges, and the role of the international community in supporting the Ukrainian people. A special moment was the Pope’s appearance at the main altar, symbolizing the beginning of his ministry, and his first Sunday blessing, delivered as Leo XIV, which sounded as a call for fair and sustainable peace in Ukraine. In his words, the new head of the Roman Catholic Church emphasized the need for unity, patience, and diplomatic resolution of conflicts currently emerging in the world. Zelensky, together with his wife, attended this historic event, which marked not only a new phase in church administration but also demonstrated Ukraine’s active position in international religious and political processes. Their presence symbolizes support for the Ukrainian people from the global spiritual community and serves as a reminder of the importance of global solidarity in times of trials. This event will remain in the memory of many as an important step in supporting peace and stability, as well as confirmation that the issues of peace and justice in the world remain on the agenda not only for politicians but also for the clergy, who strive together to find ways toward common well-being.