Following Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural mass, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and First Lady Zelenska met with the Pontiff, marking his first audience with a foreign leader. Discussions centered on the war in Ukraine, focusing on potential Vatican mediation, prisoner releases, and the repatriation of deported children. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the Vatican’s potential role in peace negotiations and highlighted the Pope’s symbolic importance in fostering a just peace. The meeting also addressed humanitarian concerns, with Zelenska thanking the Vatican for medical aid and requesting continued cooperation. The Pope reaffirmed the Vatican’s support for Ukraine.
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Following unproductive talks in Istanbul, Pope Leo XIV proposes the Vatican as a neutral venue for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Cardinal Pietro Parolin described the Istanbul summit’s outcome as “tragic,” highlighting the lack of progress towards a peaceful resolution. This offer comes amidst growing international concern over Russia’s unwillingness to negotiate, underscored by statements from figures such as Ursula von der Leyen and Marco Rubio. The Pope’s initiative aims to facilitate a direct meeting between the warring parties, potentially restarting peace efforts.
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During a Vatican ceremony, Pope Leo XIV received a list of Ukrainian prisoners of war from representatives of POW families. The Pope expressed his compassion for the Ukrainian people and called for a just and lasting peace, including the release of all prisoners. This action follows numerous prisoner exchanges since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. The event included the presence of Ukrainian religious leaders, and reflects Pope Leo XIV’s consistent condemnation of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, a stance he held even prior to his papacy.
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On May 12, 2025, newly elected Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, held his inaugural press conference at the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall. Addressing thousands of journalists, he urged the release of imprisoned journalists persecuted for reporting the truth, while also imploring reporters to avoid using their platform to incite hatred. The Pope stressed the importance of responsible communication, emphasizing the need for peace-building dialogue and the rejection of a “war of words and images.” He concluded by calling on journalists to prioritize communication that fosters peace and amplifies the voices of the marginalized.
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In his inaugural press conference, Pope Leo XIV condemned aggressive and divisive rhetoric, urging communication that prioritizes listening and amplifies marginalized voices. He implicitly criticized the communication styles of President Trump and his administration, calling for the disarmament of communication from prejudice, fanaticism, and hatred. This followed previous criticisms by Leo, both before and after his election, of Trump’s rhetoric and immigration policies, echoing Pope Francis’s emphasis on building bridges rather than walls. The Pope’s address highlighted a stark contrast between his vision of peaceful dialogue and the administration’s often confrontational approach.
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Despite having no involvement in the papal conclave, Donald Trump claimed credit for Pope Leo XIV’s election, citing his strong support among Catholic voters. This assertion followed Pope Leo’s first press conference, where he called for more peaceful and unifying communication, a message seemingly at odds with Trump’s rhetoric. Pope Leo, the first North American pope, has previously criticized the anti-immigrant views often associated with Trump’s supporters. His election has been met with resistance from some within the MAGA movement.
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In his first public address, Pope Leo XIV, the 267th and first American pope, called for an immediate end to the war in Ukraine, describing the current global conflicts as a “third world war in pieces.” He also urged a ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza, the release of hostages, and the return of Ukrainian children. The Pope’s appearance on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, singing rather than reciting the traditional prayer, signaled a potentially different style of papacy.
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Pope Leo XIV’s first Sunday address, a plea for global peace, has ignited a firestorm of reactions, ranging from hopeful optimism to cynical skepticism. His simple yet powerful message – “no more war” – resonated deeply with many, but the complexities of achieving such a monumental goal were immediately apparent. Some found his appeal naïve, questioning whether a religious leader could genuinely influence the geopolitical landscape, suggesting that the statement sounded more like a well-meaning but ultimately ineffective wish.
The inherent irony of a religious figure calling for peace wasn’t lost on many. Historical religious conflicts were brought up, highlighting the role of religion in fueling wars throughout history.… Continue reading
The election of the first American Pope, Leo XIV, has been met with mixed reactions. While President Trump offered congratulations, key figures within the MAGA movement expressed disappointment, citing Pope Leo’s apparent support for liberal policies and criticism of the president’s stances on issues such as immigration. Concerns were raised regarding potential friction between the Pope and the Trump administration due to these differing viewpoints. Steve Bannon, a prominent Trump ally, predicted conflict, highlighting Pope Leo’s past social media activity as a source of concern.
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In a May 9th interview with Semanario Expresión, newly appointed Pope Leo XIV denounced Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as an imperialist act of aggression driven by power. This stance contrasts with his predecessor, Pope Francis, whose perceived reluctance to explicitly blame Russia for the conflict drew criticism. Pope Leo’s clear condemnation marks a significant shift in the Vatican’s public position on the war. The new Pope’s leadership will be pivotal in determining the Catholic Church’s response to the ongoing conflict. President Zelensky welcomed the appointment, highlighting the importance of the Holy See’s condemnation of Russia’s aggression.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood