Lviv regional authorities urge Zelensky to invite pope to Ukraine

Zelensky and Pope Leo. Photo: Zelensky’s Telegram channel

On June 24, 2026, ceremonial events were held at the Lviv Regional Council to mark the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s visit to Ukraine. The deputies supported an appeal to the president proposing that Pope Leo XIV be invited to Ukraine on an apostolic visit.

The participants stressed that the legacy of John Paul II remains a source of inspiration for society amid its struggle for freedom and dignity.

“The event we are recalling was of fundamental importance for the formation of our nation,” said Yaroslav Hasiak, head of the regional council’s administrative office. “The visit of Pope John Paul II to Ukraine was not merely a calendar date or a dry chronicle of that time. It was a moral event that shaped our strength.”

Following the meeting, deputies and public representatives approved the text of an official appeal to the head of state. The document states that a new visit by the head of the Vatican “would be a symbolic continuation of the spiritual tradition begun by the historic journey of Saint Pope John Paul II in 2001 and would testify to the Holy See’s unwavering support for the Ukrainian people amid the ongoing war.”

The ceremonial session was attended by Roman Catholic Archbishop-Metropolitan Mieczysław Mokrzycki, Roman Kravchyk, rector of St. George’s Cathedral, as well as members of parliament and scholars. The meeting concluded with a performance of “Bless Ukraine for Us,” the official musical symbol of the pontiff’s 2001 visit.

As the UOJ reported, the Pope called on Zelensky to seek a lasting peace.

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