President congratulates new pope in Vatican, invites him to Lithuania

VILNIUS – President Gitanas Nauseda congratulated newly elected Pope Leo XIV during his trip to the Vatican and invited him to visit Lithuania.

"All people of goodwill await the Apostolic visit with deep reverence and faith," Nauseda's office quoted the president as saying during his meeting with Leo XIV.

"We very much hope to see the new pope in our country. I understand that probably 160 states have done so, but I see that Lithuania holds a special place in his heart," the president added.

The president said he told the pope that Lithuania would never forget that the Holy See did not recognize the Soviet occupation.

"(This is) a historical truth that gave strength to our nation under Soviet oppression," he said. 

Nauseda also thanked the pontiff for his support for Ukraine.

"Thank you for your words of support for Ukraine in its pursuit of a just and lasting peace. We see Ukraine as a shield against Russian aggression," the president said.

"Today, your message of encouragement and hope is more important than ever for the people of Ukraine and others suffering the devastation of war," he added.