Pope Leo XIV makes urgent call to 'silence the guns' in Ukraine

"The war in Ukraine continues to sow death and destruction. I renew my closeness to the Ukrainian people and to all the injured families," the Pope said.

He called on the international community not to remain indifferent, but to approach the situation through prayer and concrete acts of mercy.

"I strongly reiterate my urgent appeal for an immediate ceasefire and a serious commitment to dialogue. Now is the time for those responsible to renounce the logic of weapons and take the path of negotiation and peace, with the support of the international community. The voice of weapons must be silenced, while the voice of fraternity and justice must be raised," Pope Leo XIV stressed.

President Zelenskyy thanked the Pope for this strong appeal to end the war and the killings.

"We fully share His Holiness's call for an immediate ceasefire and urge Russia to take real steps to end the killing and enable diplomacy. Russia must end the war it began and refuses to end," Zelenskyy said.

According to him, Russia must end the war it started and refuses to finish.

"It is critical that everyone in the world who values human life puts pressure on Moscow to force it to end terror and engage in a meaningful peace process instead," the President concluded.

Last week, Pope Leo XIV called for prayers for peace in Ukraine during the Feast of the Blessed Virgin.

Leo XIV became Pope on May 8, 2025. During one of his first Masses, he mentioned Ukraine, highlighting the importance of the upcoming peace negotiations. In May, he accused Russia of imperialism and called for laying down arms.

While he does not explicitly call Russia an aggressor, he consistently emphasizes the need for peace.

In late June, Pope Leo XIV addressed Ukrainians in Ukrainian on X. In his message, he expressed support for the people, particularly the families of those who have fallen in the conflict.