Pope Leo XIV, at the end of his Sunday prayer, prayed for the victims of the recent massive Russian airstrikes on Ukraine, calling for an immediate ceasefire and meaningful steps toward dialogue. This was reported by Vatican News.
“Dear brothers and sisters, sadly, the war in Ukraine continues to bring death and destruction. In recent days, airstrikes have hit various cities, including the capital, Kyiv, causing numerous casualties. I renew my closeness to the Ukrainian people and to all the affected families,” said Pope Leo XIV.
The Pontiff called for an end to the war and for dialogue.
“I strongly repeat my call for an immediate ceasefire and for serious engagement in dialogue. It is time for responsible leaders to abandon the logic of weapons and choose the path of negotiations and peace, supported by the international community. The voice of weapons must fall silent so that the voice of brotherhood and justice may rise,” urged Leo XIV.
The Holy Father also reminded that September 1 will mark the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha and the Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak thanked Pope Leo XIV for his constant attention to the suffering of the Ukrainian people and supported his Sunday appeal “for an immediate ceasefire and meaningful engagement in dialogue.”
“We appreciate Pontiff’s thoughtful words and moral leadership,” Sybiha wrote on social media platform X.
He thanked His Holiness for his continued attention to the Ukrainian people and their suffering.
“We join Pope Leo XIV in calling for an immediate ceasefire and meaningful diplomacy. We urge everyone around the world to increase pressure on Russia to make it end its war and choose peace,” the minister stressed.
Andriy Yermak noted that in today’s address after the Angelus prayer, the Pope once again reminded the world of the suffering of the Ukrainian people, the dead and the wounded caused by Russian strikes.
Yermak emphasized that the Holy Father’s call for an immediate ceasefire and the search for a just peace with the participation of the international community is particularly important.
“This is a clear signal that the world must put pressure on Moscow, which started this war and still refuses to end it. Russia must stop the terror and take real steps to halt the killings and begin negotiations,” he concluded.
