Pope Leo appeals for peace in Ukraine and in all war-torn regions
By Linda Bordoni
Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called on the faithful to pray for peace in regions affected by conflict, highlighting Ukraine, the Middle East, and other areas where people suffer due to war.
Speaking after the recitation of the Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square, the Pope turned his attention to the ongoing suffering in Ukraine, noting that “even in these days, Ukraine continues to be struck by relentless attacks, leaving entire populations exposed to the cold of winter.”
“I follow what is happening with sorrow, I am close to those who suffer, and I pray for them,” he said, and he noted that the prolonged conflict causes “ever more serious consequences for civilians, widens the rift between peoples and pushes a just and lasting peace further away.”
“I urge everyone to intensify their efforts to end the war,” he appealed.
The Pope’s words come as Ukrainian and Russian mediators are set to hold face-to-face talks promoted by the United States in Abu Dhabi. The parties have reportedly agreed to hold a second round of U.S.-brokered direct peace talks next weekend despite a barrage of deadly strikes on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, greeting a group of young people of Catholic Action in Rome present in the Square, the Pope thanked them for their initiative to give life to a “Caravan for Peace” and for “helping us adults to see the world from another perspective: that of cooperation among people and populations who are different.”
Urging them to be builders of peace “at home, at school, in sports, everywhere,” he reminded them never to be violent, “neither in words nor in actions” and that evil is overcome by good.
“Together with these young people, let us pray for peace: in Ukraine, in the Middle East, and in every region where, sadly, people are fighting over interests that are not those of their peoples. Peace is built through respect for people!” he said.
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