Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has renewed his call for an end to the violence in Ukraine, expressing concern over recent attacks that have killed innocent people and damaged civilian infrastructure in several Ukrainian cities.
Speaking after the weekly Angelus on Sunday, Pope Leo said he had been following the news of the intensified attacks “with a heavy heart” and expressed his closeness to Ukrainians who have endured years of fear and distress.
“My heart goes out to the suffering of the people,” the Pope said, as he called for an end to the violence and destruction.
He also urged those involved in the conflict to open their hearts to dialogue and peace, stressing the importance of diplomatic efforts to find a way forward.
The Pope expressed hope that recent efforts to restart negotiations would produce concrete results and create a path towards a diplomatic solution.
His remarks came as Russia has increased strikes on Ukraine, including attacks affecting civilian areas. In recent days, dozens of people, mostly civilians, have been killed in Russian missile and drone attacks.
Russia says its strikes are directed at military targets, while recent attacks have also caused extensive damage to apartment buildings, private homes and public transport routes in major population centres.
Ukraine has also been facing shortages of Western supplied air defence systems, including the Patriot surface to air missile defence system, as the attacks have intensified.
Diplomatic efforts have continued alongside the fighting. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner travelled to Russia on Saturday for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. They were expected to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Sunday.
Pope Leo concluded his appeal by asking for prayers that harmony would prevail in conflicts around the world.