As CNN writes, Leo XIV spent a significant part of his career as a missionary in South America.

Pope Leo XIV recently attended a service of the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church at the Vatican, where he had the opportunity to speak with Ukrainian believers. In his speech, he expressed deep condolences to the victims of the war initiated by Russia against Ukraine. The Pope shared this information on the social media platform X.

On the occasion of the anniversary of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Ukrainian faithful arrived in the Vatican. The Pope addressed them with the words: “Peace be with you all!” He emphasized that the faith of the Ukrainian people is currently undergoing serious trials.

In his message on social media platform X, the Pope noted that he shares the pain of Ukrainians who have lost their loved ones and become victims of the war. However, he did not explicitly name Russia as the aggressor, nor did he specifically state that the Russian Federation started the war against Ukraine.

“The faith of your people is now undergoing a severe test. To believe no longer means to have all the answers, but to trust that God is with us and grants us His grace, that He will have the final word and life will overcome death.”

– Pope Leo XIV

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also responded to the Pope’s words, thanking him for his condolences. In his message, he emphasized the importance of joint efforts to stop Russian aggression.

“Together we must stop this lawless Russian aggression and protect innocent lives. A just peace is needed. We will also be deeply grateful for your help in returning all our people – adults and children – who are held in Russian captivity against their will.”

– Volodymyr Zelensky

Details about the new Pope Leo XIV

The conclave that elected the successor to Pope Francis began on May 7. The 133 cardinal electors who participated in the process first prayed and took the oath of secrecy. After several rounds of voting, on May 8, white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new Pope.

The 267th Pope was 69-year-old American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who chose the name Leo XIV. After his election, he addressed the crowd in St. Peter’s Square, paying tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis.

Leo XIV was born in 1955 in Chicago, USA, where he received theological education and a licentiate in canon law in Rome. According to CNN, he spent a significant part of his career as a missionary in South America, including ten years in Peru, and from 2014 to 2023 served as bishop in Chiclayo.

In September 2023, Pope Francis elevated him to the rank of cardinal, and now Leo XIV is expected to continue the reforms initiated by his predecessor.