Pope condemns Russia’s assault on Ukraine, calls for peace now
Pope Leo XIV (Photo: Getty Images)
Pope Leo XIV spoke about his prayers for those who have died due to Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, especially in light of recent shelling, and emphasized his support for all initiatives that could bring an end to the war, according to the pontiff’s official Twitter (X) account.
“The people of Ukraine have been struck by fresh, serious attacks,” reads the Pope’s post on social media dated May 28.
This message came shortly after Russia launched massive combined air strikes on Ukraine for three consecutive nights - on May 24, 25, and 26 - resulting in casualties and numerous injuries across various Ukrainian cities, including among children.
Leo XIV noted that he is praying for all the victims, especially the children and their families.
“I strongly reiterate my appeal to end the war and to support every initiative for dialogue and peace. Let us #PrayTogether for peace in #Ukraine and wherever war brings suffering,” the pontiff wrote.
Massive combined strikes by Russia on Ukraine
Last week, Russian forces significantly intensified their terrorist attacks on Ukrainian cities, launching hundreds of kamikaze drones and a large number of missiles of various types against civilian targets.
On the night of May 24, Russia carried out a combined strike on Kyiv, using both ballistic missiles and drones simultaneously. In total, 14 ballistic missiles and 250 attack UAVs were launched across Ukraine. Ukrainian air defense forces successfully shot down 6 missiles and neutralized 245 drones.
On the night of May 25, Russian forces targeted 13 regions of Ukraine, using dozens of ballistic and cruise missiles, along with around 300 drones.
And on the night of May 26, Russia launched a record number of attack drones and cruise missiles at Ukraine.
Read more in a dedicated article by RBC-Ukraine about the reasoning behind these attacks and the potential pace of future large-scale offensives.
Pope Leo XIV’s position on Ukraine and readiness to facilitate negotiations
On May 18, following a private audience with Pope Leo XIV, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the Vatican had expressed its readiness to serve as a platform for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in pursuit of a just peace.
Subsequently, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed that the Pope reiterated his willingness to host talks between Ukrainian and Russian representatives at the Vatican.
However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed the idea of holding such a meeting in the Vatican, stating that Moscow prefers a new round of negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul.
On May 27, the Vatican clarified the Pope’s proposal, emphasizing that it was not about mediation, but rather about offering a neutral venue for potential negotiations.
Previously, during a mass, Pope Leo XIV referenced Ukraine and indicated that peace talks are expected. It was also reported that the Pope had been handed lists of Ukrainian soldiers held in Russian captivity. On May 11, he accused Russia of imperialism and called for an end to hostilities.
