Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV said on Sunday that civilians in Ukraine are enduring great suffering and appealed for an end to the war as winter deepens the humanitarian crisis.
Speaking during his Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square, the Pope said ordinary people were paying the highest price of the conflict. He urged leaders to act with responsibility and seek paths to peace through dialogue.
Pope’s message focused on families, children and the elderly who are facing shortages of heat, food and medical care. He said the pain of civilians should not be ignored and asked the international community to renew efforts to stop the fighting.
His remarks came as diplomatic contacts between Russia and Ukraine continue but with little sign of a breakthrough. Disputes over territory and security guarantees remain major obstacles to a settlement.
Earlier this month, Pope Leo also used a meeting with diplomats to call for a ceasefire and respect for human life in all conflicts. He has repeatedly said that war always brings destruction and that peace requires courage and patience.
The Vatican has kept Ukraine at the center of its appeals for peace, stressing that political solutions must be guided by concern for human dignity. On Sunday, Pope again asked the faithful to pray for the people of Ukraine and for leaders to choose dialogue over violence.