Pope Leo XIV calls for end to violence in Ukraine

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Pope Leo XIV called for an end to violence in Ukraine during his Sunday address at the Vatican. He expressed sorrow over recent attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure that killed innocent people. The Pope also welcomed ongoing efforts to restart negotiations, without naming the US envoys involved.
Key Facts
- Pope Leo XIV made the appeal from the window of his office overlooking St. Peter's Square after the traditional Sunday prayer.
- He said he followed with sorrow the news of violent attacks targeting various Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure that caused the death of innocent people.
- The Pope called once again for an end to violence, a halt to destruction, and for hearts to open to dialogue and peace.
- He referred without naming them to the contacts of US President Donald Trump's special representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who were in Moscow yesterday and in Kyiv today regarding the Ukrainian crisis.
Papal Appeal
Pope Leo XIV delivered his appeal from the window of his office overlooking St. Peter's Square after the traditional Sunday prayer. He said he followed with sorrow the news of violent attacks targeting various Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure that caused the death of innocent people. The Pope stated that his thoughts are with the Ukrainian people, who have lived in anxiety and fear for years. He called once again for an end to violence, a halt to destruction, and for hearts to open to dialogue and peace.
Negotiation Efforts
Pope Leo XIV referred without naming them to the contacts of US President Donald Trump's special representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The envoys were in Moscow yesterday and in Kyiv today regarding the Ukrainian crisis. The Pope expressed hope that the efforts to restart negotiations in these days would yield concrete results and open space for diplomacy.