On the evening of Thursday, May 8, the conclave elected Robert Prevost from the United States as the new Pope, who will be known as Leo XIV. The first among world leaders to publicly congratulate the pontiff on his election was the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The president wrote about this on social media.
"I sincerely congratulate Pope Leo XIV on his election to the throne of St. Peter and the beginning of his pontificate," Zelenskyy remarked.
He added that Ukraine highly values the consistent position of the Holy See, which has always adhered to international law, condemned the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, and stood in defense of the rights of peaceful Ukrainians.
"At this crucial moment for our country, we hope for further moral and spiritual support from the Vatican for Ukraine’s efforts aimed at restoring justice and achieving lasting peace. I wish His Holiness Leo XIV wisdom, inspiration, and spiritual and physical strength in carrying out his high mission. Ad multos annos!" [For many years — ed.]," wished the newly elected pontiff the President of Ukraine.