From Vaticannews · Vatican News · · 50s
Pope Leo greets Ukrainian cancer survivor
13-year-old Ukrainian girl Varvara greets Pope Leo XIV after recovering from cancer.
In brief
13-year-old Ukrainian girl Varvara greets Pope Leo XIV after recovering from cancer. Ukrainian girl Varvara, 13, greeted Pope Leo XIV at hospital after recovering from cancer. Originally reported by Vaticannews.
First meeting
13-year-old Ukrainian girl Varvara met Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square on December 31, 2025, while awaiting surgery for cancer.
“a dream come true”
Recovery news
Varvara’s MRI and CT scans confirmed her cancer recovery days after arriving in Turin from Ukraine.
Greeting at hospital
Varvara greeted Pope Leo XIV at Gemelli Hospital as he left after discharge, giving him a framed photo of their December meeting and a stuffed toy.
Gifts and hope
Varvara said the stuffed toy, named Basik, will accompany Pope Leo XIV on his road to recovery from cancer.
The bottom line
Ukrainian girl Varvara, 13, greeted Pope Leo XIV at hospital after recovering from cancer.
