Pope Leo XIV was welcomed by thousands of spectators in Vatican City this morning
Pope Leo XIV was formally ushered into his new papal office this morning, with a gathering of global dignitaries convening in Vatican City to witness the historic succession from Pope Francis.
Though King Charles and Keir Starmer were conspicuously absent from the ceremony in which the new pontiff received the traditional papal gifts, an array of prominent international leaders were present to mark the occasion.
Already a figure of immense significance as the first American pope, Leo XIV’s inauguration drew notable figures—including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, whose appearance seemed to offer a moment of reconciliation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The two previously clashed during a tense White House exchange, but this morning’s event suggested a temporary thaw in tensions.
The source of their earlier friction? Vance had publicly critiqued Zelenskyy for not wearing a suit during an official U.S. visit. Yet, the Ukrainian leader has remained consistent in his appearance—dressed again today, as he was at Pope Francis’ funeral, in a now-familiar ensemble: black combat trousers, boots, and a dark jumper emblazoned with Ukraine’s trident emblem.
It’s a look steeped in symbolism. The wardrobe, evoking military resolve, is Zelenskyy’s deliberate signal to the world: Ukraine remains entrenched in war, and he intends to wear the weight of that conflict on his sleeve—quite literally. His uniform isn’t just fabric; it’s a quiet cry for solidarity, a sartorial reminder that his homeland still bleeds.
Zelenskyy and Vance shook hands (Jacquelyn Martin – Pool/Getty Images)
Following US reporter Brian Glenn’s critique in February, accusing Zelenskyy of “not respecting the dignity of the Oval Office,” the Ukrainian president addressed the matter with measured wit. He remarked,
“I will wear costume after this war finishes. Maybe something like yours, maybe something better. We will see, maybe something cheaper.”
In the documentary A Year, crafted by Ukrainian TV personality Dmytro Komarov, Zelenskyy showcased a blazer he plans to don when Ukraine emerges victorious.
“It’s a symbol,” he explained to the Kyiv Independent.
“It means the war will be over soon, we will win soon, and we all will wear suits again.”
Observers have underscored that Zelenskyy’s sartorial choices—broadcast to millions both in person and via television—carry profound significance beyond mere fashion.
Fashion designer Elvira Gasanova shared with Politico:
“When world leaders see Zelenskyy in military-style attire, it’s a clear message—‘Ukraine is at war and I stand with this fight.’”
She added,
“The persistent calls for him to return to wearing a suit amount to a tacit push for resuming conventional political dialogue—that is, ‘enough of war, let’s sit down and negotiate.’”
“In times of conflict,” Gasanova continued,
“the president transcends the role of politician, becoming the supreme commander of the military and civilians living under martial law. Wearing a classic suit would appear disconnected from the harsh reality at the front.”
His choice of clothing, she noted, serves a vital purpose: to keep global focus firmly trained on Ukraine’s ongoing struggle.
Featured Image Credit: ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP via Getty Images