Fact Check: Zelensky thanks Pope Leo for his 'continued prayers and compassion' for Ukraine.

Fact Check: "Zelensky thanks Pope Leo for his 'continued prayers and compassion' for Ukraine."

What We Know

The claim states that President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Pope Leo for his "continued prayers and compassion" for Ukraine. However, it is essential to note that Pope Leo XIV does not exist; the current Pope is Pope Francis. The claim appears to be a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of recent communications between Zelensky and the Vatican. Reports indicate that Zelensky did express gratitude towards Pope Francis for his prayers and support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia (Ukrinform, Pravda).

Analysis

Upon reviewing the sources, it is clear that the claim inaccurately attributes the message of thanks to a non-existent Pope Leo XIV instead of the current Pope Francis. The articles from Ukrinform and Pravda both confirm that Zelensky's remarks were directed towards Pope Francis, not Pope Leo. This misattribution significantly undermines the validity of the claim.

The sources reporting on Zelensky's comments are credible news outlets that focus on Ukrainian affairs and international relations. However, the error in naming the Pope raises questions about the accuracy of the original claim's dissemination. It appears to be a case of misinformation rather than a factual statement.

Conclusion

The claim that "Zelensky thanks Pope Leo for his 'continued prayers and compassion' for Ukraine" is False. The correct context involves Zelensky thanking Pope Francis, not a Pope Leo XIV, who does not exist. This misrepresentation highlights the importance of verifying details in statements involving prominent figures and institutions.

Sources

1. Volodymyr Zelensky’s biography — Official web site of the President of Ukraine
2. Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
3. Volodymyr Zelenskyi – Wikipedia
4. Volodymyr Zelenskyy - Wikipedia
5. Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky: The comedian who became a president
6. Volodymyr Zelenskyy | AP News
7. Zelensky thanks Pope for continued prayers for Ukraine
8. Zelenskyy responds to Pope's message about Ukraine's situation