Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has renewed his appeal for peace in Ukraine, warning that the continuing war is causing suffering beyond the country’s borders, particularly in poorer nations that depend on imported grain. He urged the parties involved in the conflict to ensure the safe transport of grain across the Black Sea, stressing that millions of people rely on these supplies for their daily food.
Speaking after the Sunday Angelus, the Pope highlighted the impact of the war on global food supplies. He called on those involved in the conflict to ensure that grain shipments can move safely, saying that access to basic food should not become a weapon of war.
Ukraine has historically played an important role in global grain supplies, accounting for around 10 per cent of the world’s wheat production, 15 per cent of the corn market and 13 per cent of the barley supply. Disruptions to its exports can therefore affect countries far beyond Europe, especially those that rely heavily on imported food.
During the Angelus, Pope Leo also recalled the beatification of Italian religious sister Maria Ignazia Isacchi, which took place on Saturday, October 10, in the Italian city of Mantua. He praised her courageous care for people facing hardship and expressed hope that her example would inspire others to show the love of the Gospel to everyone.
Maria Ignazia Isacchi, who lived from 1857 to 1934, founded the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Asola. Her beatification Mass was celebrated in the Co Cathedral of Saint Andrew the Apostle in Mantua, with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, presiding.
In his homily, Cardinal Semeraro described Isacchi as a witness to Christ whose daily life was shaped by the Gospel. Her religious vocation developed within her family and continued among the Ursuline Sisters of Somasca, where she helped educate girls and nurture their faith.
However, tensions within the religious institute eventually led her to establish a new congregation. She continued her mission despite difficulties and misunderstandings, remaining committed to her vocation.
Cardinal Semeraro highlighted her trust in Providence and her faithfulness to her calling. He noted that she received encouragement from her superiors, Pope Benedict XV and the Congregation for Religious during her religious journey.
The Cardinal also identified poverty of spirit as a central part of her holiness. By recognising everything as a gift from God, Isacchi found the strength to love and serve others.
Through his appeal for peace in Ukraine and his remembrance of the newly beatified religious sister, Pope Leo highlighted the importance of protecting human dignity, caring for people in need and putting the values of the Gospel into practice.