Ninkovic: New Pope Leo XIV will not change the Vatican's stance on non-recognition of Kosovo

Father Aleksandar Ninkovic from the Archdiocese of Belgrade stated for Kosovo Online that the new head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, will not change the Vatican’s position on Kosovo, and that his election, despite not being among the “favorites”, should not come as a surprise.

"I believe nothing will change regarding Kosovo, even though Pope Leo XIV is from South and North America and is not closely tied to the Kosovo issue. However, since he is also a lawyer and insists on the fundamental rights of both nations and individuals, I think he will continue the policy of his predecessors, who worked to uphold international law and who consistently stated that the Vatican primarily respects the reality on the ground," Ninkovic said.

He explains that a change in the Vatican’s position would only come if Serbia were to recognize Kosovo.

"The Vatican will never take any unilateral diplomatic action concerning Kosovo. From that perspective, we can be at ease," the Catholic priest clarified.

He adds that Pope Leo XIV will continue the tradition of his predecessors, who pursued a friendly policy and promoted closer relations with the Orthodox Church, especially in Serbia.

"I am convinced he will respect international law and the position of the international community. Only if their stance changes might the Vatican’s position shift as well, but until then, I don't believe there will be any changes," Ninkovic emphasized.

He notes that while the election of Pope Leo XIV may have surprised the general public, he is well known within the Vatican's high circles.

"He was appointed cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023 as someone aligned with his vision, coming from South America but originally from North America," Ninkovic explained.

He reminds that the new pope rose quickly through the ranks and became the Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, making him well known among bishops who later became cardinals.

"They knew him well precisely because he presided over that very important congregation, which oversees bishops worldwide. But the Holy Spirit works as it wills, and so Robert Francis Prevost was chosen as the new pope, being very much in the same spirit as Pope Francis," the priest emphasized.

That is likely the main reason why the cardinals elected him so quickly as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church.

"Anyone who watched the pope’s first public appearance could see the joy his presence brought. The Church has accepted the newly elected pope as its leader, and we hope he will justify that great and responsible role through his life," Ninkovic concluded.