Zelensky and Putin congratulate first American Pope amid contrasting Victory Day celebrations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election and the start of his pontificate on Thursday, the day the country marked Victory Day and the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.

Writing on Telegram, Zelensky said his country highly appreciated “the consistent position of the Holy See regarding the observance of international law, the condemnation of Russian military aggression against Ukraine and the protection of the rights of innocent civilians”.

Zelensky said, “At this crucial moment for our country, we hope for further moral and spiritual support from the Vatican for Ukraine’s efforts to restore justice and achieve lasting peace”, before wishing him “wisdom, inspiration, spiritual and physical strength in the fulfilment of his lofty mission”.

Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory telegram to Pope Leo XIV on his election, as the country prepared to mark Victory Day with a bombastic parade in Moscow on Friday, saying he was sure the “constructive dialogue and interaction established between Russia and the Vatican” would continue to develop “on the basis of the Christian values that unite us”. Putin wished the Pope success in fulfilling the high mission entrusted to him, as well as good health and well-being, the Kremlin said.

Pope Leo XIV, who was born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago in 1955, was elected pope on Thursday following the death of Pope Francis last month. He is the first American pope in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history. He is also a naturalised citizen of Peru.