Vatican City: Pope Leo has encouraged a group of Latvian pilgrims visiting Rome to rely on faith and God’s grace as their country continues to feel the impact of the war in Ukraine. The delegation arrived in the Vatican on Monday as Latvia marks one hundred years since its first official pilgrimage to Rome.

The group included Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina, who has led the country since 2023. Pope Leo met her privately earlier in the day before greeting the full group of nearly 200 pilgrims taking part in the 2025 Jubilee celebrations.

Addressing the delegation, Pope acknowledged the difficult situation Latvia faces as a neighbor of war affected Ukraine. He said the current moment is marked by uncertainty and conflict, adding that such times call for turning to God and drawing strength from His grace.

Pope Leo expressed appreciation for the growing relationship between Latvia and the Holy See in recent years and thanked Prime Minister Silina for her participation in the visit. Following the audience, Silina also met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State. Their discussions focused on the role of Christian values in Latvian society and ongoing efforts to promote peace and find an end to the war in Ukraine, according to a statement from the Holy See Press Office.

The pilgrimage forms part of preparations for the 2025 Jubilee year, themed Pilgrims of Hope. In his message, Pope Leo reminded the group that the saints who rest in Rome lived through uncertain times yet showed that hope never fails. He said true hope is not about knowing every solution but about trusting God and following Christ more closely.

Pope also reflected on the value of pilgrimage, describing it as a moment to step away from everyday noise and find the silence needed to listen to God’s voice. He invited the Latvian visitors to use their time in Rome to strengthen their faith and receive the peace that the world cannot offer.