Pope Leo urges global prayers for peace in Ukraine
This was reported by Vatican News.
“Heartbreaking news continues to emerge regarding the escalating war in Ukraine. There are many innocent victims, rescuers killed, churches, and places of cultural heritage devastated by flames. I am close to all those who mourn their loved ones, to the wounded, and to those who, amid violence, continue courageously to serve life,” said Pope Leo XIV to the pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, for the general audience.
In light of this situation, the Holy Father appealed, “I invite everyone to pray that this war may end,” he said. “Let us ask the Lord to open paths of dialogue, to extinguish hatred, and to make a just and lasting peace possible.”
The Pope also commented on the agreement between Iran and the United States, scheduled to be signed on Friday. He viewed it as “an encouraging result of patient work of dialogue and negotiation.” “I express my gratitude to the countries that have facilitated the meeting between the parties and helped achieve this understanding. I hope that this agreement may help strengthen mutual trust, security, and stability in the Middle East, promoting paths of dialogue and cooperation among peoples,” he said.
