Pope Leo XIV’s condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 marks a stark contrast compared to his predecessor’s stance,
which viewed the invasion more as a conflict between two parties.
by Kyiv Post
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost from the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter’s Basilica for the first time, after the cardinals ended the conclave, in The Vatican, on May 8, 2025.
(Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP)
Reports surfaced that Pope Leo XIV has denounced Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
as a “real imperialist invasion” in a 2022 interview.
Pope Leo XIV became the first American Pope in history when he was elected
Pope on Thursday after the passing of Pope Francis in late April, and his comments condemning
Russia contrasted with the latter’s stance, which viewed the invasion more as a conflict between two parties.
The new Pope, in an old interview published in April 2022 when he was then a bishop,
suggested that the world’s attitude toward Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine is “a grave
problem that is affecting all of the world.”
He said Russia is “motivated by power” for the invasion, effectively rejecting Moscow’s
claims that it invaded to secure the interests of the Russian-speaking population in Ukraine.
“But in my point of view it is due to a real imperialist invasion by Russia, where Russia is motivated by power,
and well the strategic location, as well as its significance: culturally, and historically, and in production for Russia,” he said.
He added that while one should ask God for peace, one should also acknowledge the horrors committed in Ukraine –
a comment he addressed to “some politicians” in the US.
“It’s also been proven that there have been crimes against humanity that are being committed in Ukraine.
We have to ask God – a lot – for peace. But we also need to be more clear, ourselves,” he said.
“There are some politicians in our country who do not wish to recognize the horrors of this war and the evil Russia is doing in Ukraine,” he added.
While US President Donald Trump initially expressed enthusiasm for the election of the first American pope, calling it “a great honor” for the US,
reports later emerged that Pope Leo XIV had been critical of several policies under Trump – stirring backlash among the president’s supporters.
In one February repost, an X account under his former name shared an article titled, “JD Vance is wrong:
Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.
”US conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, in an X update, later called Pope Leo XIV an
“anti-Trump, anti-MAGA, pro-open Borders, and a total Marxist like Pope Francis,” adding that
“Catholics don’t have anything good to look forward to.
”Fact-checking: determining the date of the interview
While there are reports that the interview was conducted recently, Kyiv Post ascertained that the interview was conducted in April 2022
based on the comments made by the interviewer in Spanish.
In the interview, the interviewer addressed Pope Leo XIV – then Bishop Robert Prevost – as “monsignor,” not the Pope.
The clothing also did not match that of a Pope. The interviewer also said, “This coming Monday the city of Chiclayo will celebrate 187 years” –
the Peruvian city was declared a city on April 15, 1835, placing the interview sometime before April 15, 2022, shortly after Moscow’s full-scale
invasion of Ukraine broke out on Feb. 24, 2022.
