JAKARTA - The leader of the world's Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, on Sunday called for increased international efforts to end the war in Ukraine and urged prayers for peace in all areas affected by the conflict, including the Middle East.
Speaking after the Angelus prayer at St. Peter's Square, the Vatican, Pope Leo said Ukraine continues to face "relentless attacks," which exposes civilians to harsh winter conditions, reports Vatican News.
"Even in these days, Ukraine continues to be hit by relentless attacks, which expose the entire population to the cold of winter," he said, quoted by Anadolu (26/1).
"I follow what is happening with sadness, I am close to those who suffer, and I pray for them," Pope Leo added, warning that prolonged conflicts have "increasingly serious consequences for civilians," widening divisions between nations and distancing them from a just and lasting peace.
"I urge everyone to increase their efforts to end the war," Pope Leo XIV urged.
The statement was made ahead of a face-to-face meeting between Ukrainian and Russian mediators promoted by the US in Abu Dhabi, with a second round of US-mediated negotiations reportedly planned for next weekend.
Urging them to be builders of peace "at home, at school, in sports, wherever," Pope Leo said violence must be rejected "both in words and actions."
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