Pope Leo says civilians in Ukraine are suffering, calls for war to end

Pope Leo XIV leads the Angelus prayer from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, on Epiphany
Pope Leo XIV leads the Angelus prayer from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, on Epiphany at the Vatican, January 6, 2026. REUTERS/Yara Nardi/File Photo
Source: REUTERS

Pope Leo on Sunday said ongoing Russian attacks against Ukraine were leaving civilians in the country exposed to the cold of winter, and called for an end to the conflict.

"The protracted hostilities ... have increasingly serious implications for civilians," Pope Leo said after his weekly Angelus prayer.

"I urge everyone to intensify their efforts to end this war."

This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.