Pope to fulfill Ukraine's Zelensky after inauguration Mass

[ad_1] Pope Leo XIV is to fulfill the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Vatican has mentioned after his inauguration Mass.

The brand new Catholic chief highlighted his considerations concerning the conflict in Ukraine in his prayer on the finish of the service, saying "the martyred Ukraine is ready for negotiations for a simply and lasting peace to lastly occur".

The Pope spoke to a crowd of 1000's in St Peter's Sq. to warn in opposition to marginalisation of the poor and autocracy.

Zelensky, US Vice President JD Vance and the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have been amongst dignitaries in attendance.

The pontiff was seen shaking fingers with Zelensky, in addition to different dignitaries.

He used his Mass to criticise "hatred, violence, prejudice, the concern of distinction, and an financial paradigm that exploits the Earth's sources and marginalises the poorest".

He additionally mentioned he would search to control "with out ever yielding to the temptation to be an autocrat".

Hundreds of pilgrims stood in reverence because the pope acquired the symbols of workplace, blessed the individuals and issued a robust name for unity.

Earlier than the Mass, there have been cheers from the gang when the pontiff appeared in his popemobile because it drove round St Peter's Sq. and down By way of della Conciliazione to the river Tiber and again.

There was a robust sense of pleasure within the sq.. Michelle, from Germany, informed the BBC she "got here on goal to see the Pope".

"I arrived yesterday within the morning and I am leaving in a number of hours, so I haven't got a lot time. It's totally loopy as a result of there's so many individuals. I needed to see the Pope."

Most of the tens of 1000's attending have been Catholics, however vacationers additionally got here to be a part of the historic event.

Joe from Missouri in america mentioned: "We're on trip, nevertheless it's nice timing. We're right here to see the Pope's inaugural mass. It's totally particular. I am glad we got here early."

He mentioned he was "further proud" to see the primary Pope from america. "That was a shock. He is gonna be a beautiful Pope. I'm not Catholic, however I grew up Catholic, however that is simply inspiring it doesn't matter what denomination of Christian you might be."

Additionally within the crowds was Pia, from Chile, a professor of philosophy at a the Pontifical College of the Holy Cross in Rome. She informed the BBC she felt there was "a brand new hope within the church".

Pia mentioned that among the many Pope's first phrases when he was elected was "Let the peace be with you", the phrases of Jesus. After which he mentioned "do not be afraid".

"He is aware of what the world and the church wants. A church that's preaching hope, preaching peace. I believe many individuals are ready for that," she mentioned.

The Pope's official inauguration adopted the Mass, with a pallium garment - a white woolen band - positioned on the pope's shoulders, and stuck in place with three pins to characterize the nails on the cross.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines then positioned on the pope's finger the Ring of the Fisherman, a logo of the papacy which bears a picture of St Peter.