Pope Leo XIV received, at the Vatican, a photo book entitled *Eyes of War* by Ukrainian documentary photographers Konstantin and Vlada Libero, as well as an embroidered shirt featuring motifs from all regions of Ukraine, including those currently under occupation. The gifts were presented on 9 September during a general audience; the book contains documentary evidence of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
Briefly about the main points
- The Liberos’ book was presented to the Pope after the general audience.
- Both authors signed a copy of *Eyes of War*.
- The photo book features 280 photographs taken between 2022 and 2025.
- The vyshyvanka features symbols representing the regions, including the occupied territories.
- The day before, the Pope condemned the shelling of Ukrainian towns.
The gifts were presented by participants at the UGCC forum
The meeting took place after the general audience in St Peter’s Square. The delegation included representatives of the Forum on Youth Ministry of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Europe, which was held in Rome on 8–10 September.
A signed copy of the photo book Konstantin and Vlada Libero The pontifical stole was presented to the pontiff by the chairman of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church’s Patriarchal Commission for Youth Affairs, Bishop Brian Baida and his deputy, Father Roman Demush.
The publication features photographs from the front line and towns near the front line
«Eyes of War» contains 280 photographs taken between 2022 and 2025. The photographers documented the full-scale war on the front line, in towns near the front line, and in settlements that had endured Russian attacks.
Vatican News notes that the project aims to tell the truth about the war through documentary photography. The photographs from the audience show how Leo XIV is looking through a spread featuring large portrait photographs.
The embroidery pattern combines symbols from the regions of Ukraine
According to the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, the design of the embroidered shirt presented as a gift brings together symbols from all regions of the country. The designers conceived it as a reminder of Ukraine’s unity, particularly that of the territories currently under Russian occupation.
After a prayer together, the Pope blessed the forum participants. The delegation then had a group photograph taken with the Holy Father.
The day before, the Pope called for an end to the attacks and destruction
On 6 September, Leo XIV stated that his heart was with the Ukrainian people in their suffering. During the «Angelus» prayer, he condemned the new wave of shelling targeting Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure, and called for an end to the violence and destruction.
The Pontiff also expressed the hope that efforts to resume negotiations would bear fruit and open the way for diplomacy that would help bring the war to an end.
