Pope stamp presented in Kyiv on visit anniversary
Yelensky stated that Ukraine is fully open to a visit from Pope Leo XIV.
On June 16, 2026, a commemorative postage stamp dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's visit to Ukraine was presented at St. Nicholas Church in the capital. The event was attended by the head of the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) Viktor Yelensky, representatives of the Office of the President, as well as OCU and UGCC clergy, reports DESS on Facebook.
Speaking before those gathered, Viktor Yelensky emphasized the geopolitical significance of the pontiff's visit in 2001. According to him, John Paul II "truly loved Ukraine" and played a key role in world history. The head of the SSEFC stated that the Pope not only contributed to the destruction of the "axis of evil," but also made significant efforts to "pull Central and Eastern Europe out of the Yalta system."
In his speech, the DESS head paid particular attention to the prospects of a new visit by the head of the Vatican. He stressed that Ukraine today is fully open to a papal visit and that such an initiative would receive comprehensive support.
"We expect Pope Leo XIV to affirm our aspiration for a just and lasting peace," Yelensky summarized, adding that the visit should reaffirm Ukraine’s standing as an independent actor on the world stage.
As the UOJ reported, the Vatican spoke out against the ban on the UOC.
