Fact Check: Pope Leo XIV calls Ukraine 'martyred' by Russia's 'senseless war.'

Fact Check: Pope Leo XIV Calls Ukraine 'Martyred' by Russia's 'Senseless War'

What We Know

Pope Leo XIV recently addressed a group of Ukrainian Greek Catholic pilgrims at the Vatican on June 28, 2025, where he described Ukraine as "martyred" due to Russia's "senseless war." In his speech, he expressed sorrow for the victims and prisoners affected by the ongoing conflict, which has escalated since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 (source-2, source-3). The Pope's remarks were made during a Jubilee pilgrimage, emphasizing the suffering of the Ukrainian people, particularly families mourning their loved ones (source-5).

Analysis

The claim that Pope Leo XIV referred to Ukraine as "martyred" and condemned the war as "senseless" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. His statements were made in the context of a gathering that included Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk and other Ukrainian clergy, indicating a direct engagement with the Ukrainian community (source-4). The Pope's choice of words reflects a strong condemnation of the conflict and aligns with his previous expressions of support for Ukraine since his election (source-6).

The Vatican's official communications and various news outlets reported on this event, underscoring the significance of the Pope's remarks in the context of ongoing international discussions about the war in Ukraine (source-7). The Pope's statements are seen as a departure from the more ambiguous positions taken by his predecessor, Pope Francis, who faced criticism for his comments regarding NATO and Russia (source-2).

Conclusion

The claim that Pope Leo XIV called Ukraine "martyred" by Russia's "senseless war" is True. His statements, made during a significant gathering of Ukrainian pilgrims, clearly articulated his sorrow for the victims of the conflict and condemned the violence inflicted upon Ukraine. This position is consistent with his ongoing support for Ukraine and reflects a strong moral stance against the war.