Fact Check: Pope Leo XIV blesses mothers of fallen soldiers during pilgrimage.

Fact Check: Pope Leo XIV Blesses Mothers of Fallen Soldiers During Pilgrimage

What We Know

On June 28, 2023, Pope Leo XIV welcomed Ukrainian Greek Catholic pilgrims to the Vatican, where he expressed his solidarity with Ukraine, which he described as "martyred" by Russia's ongoing war. During this address, he specifically offered a blessing to mothers of soldiers who have been killed on the front lines in Ukraine (Kyiv Independent). This event was part of a pilgrimage honoring the Jubilee, a significant holy year in the Catholic Church, and highlighted the pope's concern for those suffering due to the conflict (Kyiv Independent, Vatican News).

In his remarks, Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the profound grief experienced by families who have lost loved ones in the war, stating, "I share in your sorrow for the prisoners and for the victims of this senseless war" (Kyiv Independent). His address was attended by various bishops, priests, and lay believers, including Sviatoslav Shevchuk, the Head of the Greek Catholic Church in Ukraine (Kyiv Independent).

Analysis

The claim that Pope Leo XIV blessed mothers of fallen soldiers during the pilgrimage is supported by multiple credible sources. The Kyiv Independent and other reports confirm that the pope specifically addressed mothers who have lost their sons in the conflict, demonstrating his pastoral care and empathy towards those affected by the war. The context of the pilgrimage, which was aimed at providing hope and support to the Ukrainian community, further substantiates the claim.

The sources used in this fact-check are reliable, as they include reputable news outlets and official Vatican communications. The Kyiv Independent is known for its focus on Ukrainian affairs and has reported extensively on the war and its impacts. Vatican News is an official source that provides updates on the pope's activities and statements, ensuring that the information is accurate and reflective of the pope's intentions (Vatican News).

While some sources may have varying interpretations of the pope's statements, the core fact—that he blessed mothers of fallen soldiers—is consistently reported across multiple outlets (Kyiv Independent, Catholic Sat). This consistency adds to the reliability of the claim.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Pope Leo XIV blessed mothers of fallen soldiers during a pilgrimage is true. Multiple credible sources confirm that during his address to Ukrainian Greek Catholic pilgrims, he specifically offered blessings to these mothers, expressing his solidarity and compassion for their loss amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.