On May 18, 2025, Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska attended Pope Leo XIV’s Inauguration Mass in Rome, drawing significant online attention for her appearance. Following the mass, Zelenska and her husband, President Volodymyr Zelensky, met Pope Leo in a private audience. Social media quickly praised her elegance, with comments calling her “stunning” and “royal.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance, who also attended, faced criticism for their perceived lack of warmth during their brief interaction with the Pope. Their handshake and casual pat on the shoulder were viewed by some as disrespectful, sparking online debates.
Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural mass focused on themes of unity, compassion, and global peace, calling for an end to violence and inequality.
The Pope, who had previously criticized U.S. immigration policies, used his first public address to demand justice for oppressed people and peace in regions like Ukraine and Gaza. His message stressed reconciliation, empathy, and the need for a global movement toward healing and unity.
