Pope Leo XIV took to social media platform X to express his disapproval of world leaders’ disregard for international law, a week after the U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear facilities and following a fragile ceasefire. The Pope lamented the perceived dominance of power over the rule of law, deeming it shameful. The post sparked criticism from users who urged him to focus on religious teachings rather than political commentary. This is not the first time he has voiced his opinions regarding foreign affairs, as he has previously called for peace in the Middle East.
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Following his inaugural mass, Pope Leo XIV held extensive meetings with world leaders including Ukrainian President Zelensky and Peruvian President Boluarte, but only briefly greeted Vice President JD Vance. This limited interaction followed a sermon subtly criticizing Vance and the Trump administration’s treatment of migrants and seizure of foreign resources. The snub builds upon previous criticisms of Vance’s immigration policies by both Pope Francis and Pope Leo (then Father Prevost), who publicly opposed Vance’s stances. Despite past tensions and a brief meeting with Pope Francis before his death, Vance’s attempts at reconciliation with Catholic leadership appear to have yielded limited success.
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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 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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Following two days of voting by 133 cardinals, white smoke has signaled the election of a new Pope. The successor to Pope Francis will be revealed shortly on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the newly elected Pontiff will announce his papal name. The election process, requiring a two-thirds majority, involved multiple ballots, with black smoke initially indicating a lack of consensus. This conclave, while shrouded in secrecy, mirrors past processes, though shorter than some historical examples.
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Following a morning mass, “Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice,” led by Cardinal Giovanni Re, including a homily outlining priorities for the next papacy, the College of Cardinals will convene. After lunch and reflection, a formal procession will commence at 4:30 p.m., culminating in an oath of secrecy within the Sistine Chapel before voting begins. White smoke signifies a new pope’s election, while black smoke indicates the need for further ballots. The process will continue until a two-thirds majority is reached.
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Black smoke from the Sistine Chapel signaled the failure to elect a new pope on the first day of the conclave. Cardinals will continue voting in a series of secret ballots until a successor to Pope Francis is chosen. The conclave, marked by secrecy and the absence of a clear frontrunner, pits those favoring continued reform against those seeking a more traditional papacy. Potential candidates include Cardinals Tagle, Prevost, and Parolin, though Pope Francis’ changes to the College of Cardinals have introduced significant unpredictability. Voting will continue for several days, with a break for reflection if a pope isn’t selected by Sunday.
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John Q. Hosedrinker