Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace in Ukraine After Russian Attacks

In brief

Pope Leo XIV called for peace in Ukraine on Sunday following recent Russian attacks on cities and civilian infrastructure. Speaking to pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square after the Angelus, the pope expressed sorrow over the deaths of innocent people caused by the violence.

The pope's comments follow an intensified missile and drone campaign by Russia that killed dozens in Kyiv and nearby areas and cut electricity for hundreds of thousands of people in the Odesa region. Leo said he hopes current efforts to resume negotiations will lead to diplomacy.

The announcement coincided with the arrival of U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Kyiv. The envoys met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Saturday, Sept. 5.