Leo condemns strikes on Ukraine as US envoys land in Kyiv

Russia has intensified its missile and drone campaign against Ukraine in recent days, with attacks killing dozens in Kyiv and nearby areas and disrupting electricity for hundreds of thousands of people in the Odesa region.

Pope Leo XIV deplored the latest Russian attacks on Ukraine but said he hoped for peace amid renewed diplomatic efforts to end the war.

“With a sorrowful heart, I have followed the news of the latest violent attacks that have recently struck several cities and civilian infrastructures in Ukraine, causing the deaths of innocent people,” the Pope told pilgrims in St Peter’s Square on Sunday after reciting the Angelus.

Russia has intensified its missile and drone campaign against Ukraine in recent days, with attacks killing dozens in Kyiv and nearby areas and disrupting electricity for hundreds of thousands of people in the Odesa region.

“My heart goes out to the suffering of the people, who have been living in distress and fear for years,” Leo said.

He voiced hope that “the efforts undertaken in these days to resume negotiations will bear concrete fruit and open space for diplomacy”.

On the same day, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Kyiv, having met Russia’s President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Saturday.

Earlier, in his catechesis before leading pilgrims in the Angelus, Pope Leo reflected on the day’s Gospel reading (Matthew 18:15-20), in which Jesus instructs his disciples in fraternal correction.

“This is a delicate art, too often forgotten, that calls for frankness and a gradual approach,” he said.

“Speaking honestly with one another – first face to face, then, if necessary, with two or three others, and finally, when required, with the whole community – means facing reality and transforming problems and conflicts into opportunities for growth. Complaining and speaking ill of others are easier, but they accomplish nothing and leave many situations paralysed.”

The Pope also said that praying together, as Jesus encourages in the Gospel passage, builds unity among Christians.

“Without faith, each person might feel alone and become suspicious of others, seeing them as strangers and enemies. By grace, however, we are brothers and sisters who can live in harmony: meeting one another, forgiving one another and listening to one another in the Lord,” Leo said.

‘This war must end’: Gallagher calls for negotiations in Moscow

A nuncio’s year in Ukraine

Stay updated — add us as a preferred news source on Google: