Pope Leo XIV expressed condolences to the mothers of Ukrainian heroes
The Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, did not remain aloof from the tragic events that are currently distorting the Ukrainian present. In his sincere address, delivered in Ukrainian, he expressed support and solidarity with the people of Ukraine, who are facing incredible trials every day due to a full-scale war. His words sounded like a voice of hope and spiritual support for those who have lost loved ones, are experiencing the loss of relatives, who have had to go through grief and pain. “I want to be with you, a people experiencing incredible suffering. In particular, with those who have lost their relatives, with youth, children, and the elderly. I share your sorrow for the dead and prisoners, victims of this senseless war,” the Pope’s address, published on his official social networks, says. The Head of the Catholic Church emphasized that in this difficult time for the Ukrainian people, their faith is an unbreakable pillar that helps them to hold on in such difficult circumstances. “Being a believer does not mean knowing all the answers. It means relying on God, believing that He is there and gives us strength. Ultimately, the last word will be His — and it will be the word of life, not death,” Pope Leo XIV added in his speech, which was heard in the Vatican. On the same day, an important ceremony took place in the Vatican — the Pope’s meeting with Ukrainian pilgrims. As part of the celebrations of the Jubilee Holy Year, they gathered in St. Peter’s Basilica, where the head of the Pontificate paid special attention to the mothers of fallen soldiers. He personally spoke with the mothers who lost their children at the front and expressed deep sympathy and support, emphasizing that their pain is the pain of the whole world. In general, the Pope's mission to remain a spiritual support for the Ukrainian people is gaining more and more importance in the context of the protracted war. Against this background, attention has also increased to his calls for peace and understanding - in particular, he previously called on Iran and Israel to avoid the desire for revenge and to engage in dialogue for the sake of preserving human lives. In her article "Blessed Miracle Workers", journalist Kateryna Shchetkina analyzes the impact that the election of the new Pope Leo XIV may have on the development of events surrounding the Russian-Ukrainian war, emphasizing his role in shaping the religious and humanitarian context of the current Donetsk and Luhansk drama.