Pope Leo XIV renewed his urgent plea for peace in Ukraine on Sunday, praying that fresh US-led diplomatic efforts will finally halt the four-year war.
Speaking to pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square after the Angelus prayer, the pontiff lamented the escalating violence and the loss of innocent lives, calling on world leaders to open space for meaningful dialogue.
His appeal comes after a wave of devastating Russian strikes on Kyiv and civilian infrastructure, which Ukrainian Greek Catholic Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kyiv-Halych condemned as “state terrorism.”
Both nations temporarily paused military strikes over the weekend as American envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff held separate talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Ahead of his prayer, Pope Leo reflected on the day’s Gospel, reminding Christians that genuine love requires both honest, fraternal correction and an active commitment to living in harmony.
