Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska Steals the Show at the Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo

Ukraine’s First Lady received a lot of attention on the internet for her attendance and appearance at Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration in Rome, where world leaders were gathering.

On Sunday, May 18, 2025, Ukrainian First Couple President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska attended Pope Leo XIV’s Inauguration Mass.

 

 

 

 

The event, which took place in Rome, brought together heads of state and religious leaders from all over the world.

Pope Leo gave President Zelensky and his spouse a special audience following the Mass. Zelenska’s look swiftly gained attention on a number of platforms, where individuals expressed their admiration and insights.

A Redditor said, “Olena is gorgeous ! I want to examine the hat more closely . Then someone else said, “She is beautiful indeed.”

similar feelings. “Mrs. Zelinsky, he looks like royalty,” one said. Beautiful. [sic]” A different user wrote, “Class, dignity and humanity radiated from Olena Zelenska and Volodymyr Zelensky as they attended the Inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV on a beautiful day in Rome.”

 

 

 

 

 

The compliments persisted on various channels. One viewer responded on Instagram, saying, “Giving gifts is such a lovely, fundamental human gesture. President Zelensky’s wife is gorgeous, and he is a lovely soul.

Admiration was also conveyed by Facebook users. “Mrs. Zelensky is so pretty,” someone commented. Peace to Ukraine. “She’s a natural beauty,” said another. Not all of it is phony and plastic. However, not every guest received the same degree of public acclaim.

The United States was represented at the Mass by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance. Online commentators, however, had a more muted reaction to their appearance, with several pointing out that they lacked warmth throughout the event.

 

 

 

 

 

A rush of internet responses followed Vance’s meeting with Pope Leo XIV during the new pontiff’s first Mass.

On the surface, the brief encounter appeared friendly, but viewers quickly criticized everything from body language to what they perceived as a lack of respect.

Vance and his spouse were among the religious and political dignitaries that attended the historic Mass in Vatican City that inaugurated Pope Leo’s pontificate—the first time the position has been held by an American.

The pair participated in the event, which attracted international attention, despite the pontiff’s prior criticism of the Trump administration.

The 69-year-old pope greeted the vice president and his spouse briefly after the Mass. During a short 17-second interaction, the two parties shook hands and spoke briefly.

Pope Leo was seen courteously nodding as Vance talked in a video clip that caught the incident.

What would have appeared to be a common diplomatic gesture, however, became a trending subject on the internet.

The meeting finished with Vance giving the pope a warm pat on the shoulder, which many viewers felt was far too casual for the late Pope Francis’ successor.

 

 

 

 

 

Social media users closely examined everything, including Vance’s strategy, the pope’s alleged aloof response, and even his brief encounter with Usha Vance.

Without holding back, one viewer said, “Very disrespectful @JDVance.” “JD needs some help in his faith,” another commenter said. He does not do business with the Pope. Good grief.

According to a close analysis of the incident by another commenter, “JD appeared somewhat conflicted, one could tell.” He wasn’t sure if he was supposed to act like the boss or as the prevost did.

He was obviously uncomfortable. Observe the prevost’s shoulder shrug following JD’s death [sic].

 

 

 

 

 

“He taps him on his shoulder like his buddy, not like the successor of St. Peter and the Vicar of Christ on earth,” said another critic of the informality. Please hope that our church remembers the value of hierarchy once more.

Some readers wrote, “The pope’s body language was a bit cold there,” focusing on the pontiff’s manner. “Ouch?” From a different perspective, someone said, “The pope appeared to have ignored Mrs. Vance. Looking away and shaking hands. Not at all. I’m not feeling it.

One responder explored the nuances, saying, “Body language is crucial. Our VPOTUS greeted him with warmth.

When he and SLOTUS turn to go, he gives a heavy shrug. How disrespectful and telling. No one is being duped by him.

Not me, of course. Lastly, one commenter sharply summarized it by saying, “Wow the pope was so ungracious.”

 

 

 

 

 

Vance has not displayed any signs of unease in the face of the online commotion over his brief encounter with Pope Leo XIV.

“It was an honor to join so many of the faithful at the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV this morning!” he commented beside a photo of himself and his wife, Usha, at the Mass.

Another photo that was circulated from the event showed the couple sharing a kiss during Holy Mass, which demonstrated how comfortable they were during the event.

Vance and Usha also went to honor the late Pope Francis while they were there.

Vance shared the moment on social media, writing, “Usha and I went to the tomb of the late Holy Father Pope Francis today.

I hope you would join me in praying for his soul’s rest, as he was adored by many Catholics worldwide.

 

 

 

 

 

As part of continued diplomatic attempts to put an end to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Vance met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later that day. “Secretary Rubio and I met with President Zelensky this afternoon,” he posted.

We talked about the latest developments in the ceasefire and long-term peace talks, which are aimed at putting an end to needless deaths in Ukraine.

Pope Leo and JD Vance seem to have a great dedication to peace, which permeated the pontiff’s first Mass.

The pope took the opportunity to call for compassion and togetherness in the face of inequity, intolerance, and division as international tensions and humanitarian problems continue to develop.

In a world plagued by violence, discrimination, and economic structures that take advantage of the environment and its most defenseless citizens, he underlined the importance of healing.

The pope urged people of all backgrounds, including Christians, people of other religions, and those who are spiritually curious, to follow a common road of hope and reconciliation by calling for a global movement toward unity and brotherhood.

Instead of moral superiority or seclusion, the pope advocated for unity and openness.

By presenting God’s love as a unifying force that values and embraces diversity rather than eradicating it, he emphasized the significance of constructing bridges across many cultures, histories, and faiths.

Pope Leo, who was formerly known as Father Robert Prevost, has a history of denouncing atrocities. Additionally, he has previously attacked Vance and Donald Trump. Long before Francis became pope, this criticism started.

 

 

 

 

 

The pope has been very outspoken about the Trump administration’s immigration policy, denouncing them time and time again as being immoral and lacking in empathy.

Sharp criticism of US political personalities, including Vance, was revealed in a series of previous tweets that appeared in the hours following his election.

“JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others,” said one now-deleted tweet, which linked to a National Catholic Reporter piece.

Vance’s understanding of religious responsibility in relation to immigration was attacked in another deleted tweet.

The remarks made by his brother, John Prevost, who provided insight into Pope Leo’s personal beliefs, further emphasized the pope’s position on immigration.

“I don’t think he’ll stay quiet for too long if he has something to say,” Prevost said. “I am aware that he is unhappy with the current state of immigration.

I’m positive of that. It’s hard to predict how far he’ll take it, but he won’t just sit back. He won’t be the silent one, in my opinion.

 

 

 

 

 

In addition, Pope Leo made a direct and pressing plea to the most powerful countries in the world during his first Sunday noon benediction on May 11th, demanding justice for the oppressed and peace in areas devastated by conflict.

Nearly 100,000 Vatican City faithful attended the speech, which was given from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica and was the new pope’s first public address since taking office.

Pope Leo said, “I, too, address the world’s great powers by repeating the ever-present call ‘never again war,’” into the crowded square.

The pope’s speech focused on Gaza and Ukraine, two of the most unstable crises in the world. He cited Pope Francis, his predecessor, when he said that the world is currently engaged in a “third world war in pieces.”

“I carry in my heart the sufferings of the beloved Ukrainian people,” Leo XIII declared. “Whatever is possible be done to reach an authentic true and lasting peace as quickly as possible.”

He demanded the safe return of Ukrainian children who had been displaced by the fighting and the release of prisoners of war.

In a speech that mostly emphasized the gravity of the continuing world turmoil, he also lauded a ceasefire that was just established between India and Pakistan.

 

 

 

 

 

Pope Leo turned his attention to the Middle East and urged an immediate end to the hostilities in Gaza.

He demanded an immediate end to hostilities, the release of all captives, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians. He also requested that the weary civilian populace be given relief.

The presence on Sunday was full of meaning.

Pope Leo appeared determined to establish his pontificate as one of reconciliation and fearless truth-telling, as seen by his movements on the balcony and his purposeful summoning of unity in a divided Catholic Church.