Ukraine celebrates its national holiday every August 24th. This is the day, in 1991, on which it gained independence from the Soviet Union, 34 years ago.
With an anniversary marked by war and tensions surrounding peace negotiations, Zelensky has received messages from many world leaders: Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, King Charles of England, the King of Spain, and also Pope Leo XIV.
The Pope began the letter by assuring the Ukrainian leader that his heart is broken by the violence ravaging his land.
He also said he assured them of his prayers for all those suffering from the war: the wounded, those who have lost a loved one, and those left homeless.
May God Himself console them; may He strengthen the injured and grant eternal rest to the departed. I implore the Lord to move the hearts of people of good will, that the clamour of arms may fall silent and give way to dialogue, opening the path to peace for the good of all.
Pope Leo XIV has called for peace for Ukraine since the beginning of his pontificate. He has met with Zelensky twice and has also offered the Vatican as a venue for negotiations on several occasions.
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