Pope Leo XIV Appeals Worldwide for Peace in Ukraine, Mozambique Amid Conflict

Pope Leo XIV has made multiple appeals for peace in Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, aligning his messages with Ukraine’s Independence Day celebrations. He expressed deep sorrow for the Ukrainian people suffering from war and called for prayers through the global initiative 'World Prayer for Ukraine,' urging the international community not to become desensitized to the violence. The Pope entrusted Ukraine to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, and highlighted the need for dialogue to replace armed conflict. His appeals were accompanied by messages of solidarity for other regions affected by violence, such as Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly thanked Pope Leo XIV for his prayers and moral support during this difficult time. The Pope’s calls for peace were made amid heightened tensions, including reported drone attacks near a nuclear power plant in Russia’s Kursk region, which coincided with Ukraine’s Independence Day.