Representatives of the Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association held a personal meeting with Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican

A significant event for the Ukrainian lobbying community took place in the Vatican: the delegation of the Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association held a personal audience with Pope Leo XIV. The Ukrainian delegation included Ivan Fursenko, a member of the Association who is in charge of lobbying for local communities.

During the meeting, the Ukrainian representatives informed the Holy Father about the consequences of Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, showed photos and video evidence of the destruction, and emphasized the scale of crimes committed against Ukrainian children. The delegation handed over to the Pontiff an appeal from Ukrainian communities living under daily shelling and expressed gratitude for the Holy See’s continued solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

A separate block of the conversation was the repeated official invitation of the Pope to visit Ukraine. According to Ivan Fursenko, such a trip would be “a powerful gesture of spiritual support for the whole country and a signal to the world community about the invincibility of the Ukrainian people.”

The Ukrainian delegation also asked Pope Leo XIV for a special blessing for Ukraine, which, according to the participants of the meeting, they “will definitely bring home to all those who are fighting, working and living despite the war.”

The meeting was yet another proof that lobbying for Ukrainian interests goes far beyond national politics and includes global religious and humanitarian institutions.

“Lobbying knows no bounds and boundaries, especially when it comes to protecting the life, peace and future of Ukrainian communities,” the Association emphasized.