On April 9 unveiled a new commemorative postage stamp depicting Pope Leo XIV alongside a Ukrainian child, in a gesture of solidarity and a call for a just and lasting peace amid the ongoing war.

The stamp was presented and officially canceled during a ceremony at Kyiv’s central post office. The image shows the pontiff blessing a child holding a ribbon in Ukraine’s national colors. It is based on the artwork Prayer for Ukraine by Ukrainian artist Volodymyr Koziuk.

Printed on the accompanying philatelic sheet is a message from Pope Leo XIV, in both Ukrainian and Italian: “War will not prevail. Children have the right to a real, just and lasting peace.”

The release is intended as a symbol of spiritual support, solidarity and hope. Through a restrained yet powerful visual, it conveys the pope’s message that war cannot have the final word and that every child deserves a peaceful future. The blessing depicted on the stamp is widely seen as a sign of support for Ukraine and a broader appeal for peace worldwide.

The project was implemented with the support of the Embassy of Ukraine and curated by artist and philanthropist Yurii Kotyk.

The ceremony was attended by Major Archbishop Sviatoslav, Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church; Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine Visvaldas Kulbokas; Deputy Speaker of Parliament Olena Kondratiuk; Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhen Perebyinis; and Viktor Yelenskyy, Head of the State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience, along with other officials, diplomats and members of the public.

This marks the second special issue by Ukrposhta dedicated to relations with the Holy See. In June 2024, a stamp featuring Pope Francis bore the words, “Your pain is my pain.” In February 2026, another stamp honoring the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church was presented at the Vatican.

The new issue underscores the close ties between Ukraine and the Holy See and reflects Kyiv’s continued gratitude for the Vatican’s support during the war.