VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV declared that peace in Ukraine “cannot be postponed,” calling it an “urgent necessity” as the country marks the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Speaking during his regular Sunday Angelus address from the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square, the American-born pontiff renewed his appeal for an immediate ceasefire and meaningful dialogue.
“Peace cannot be postponed. It is an urgent necessity that must find a home in our hearts and be translated into responsible decisions,” the Pope said before a crowd of pilgrims and faithful.
He added: “Let the weapons fall silent, let the bombings cease, let an immediate ceasefire be reached, and let dialogue be strengthened to pave the way toward peace.”
Ukraine marks four years since Russia launched its large-scale assault on February 24, 2022. The war has devastated towns and cities, displaced millions of civilians, and claimed countless lives on both sides. Moscow currently occupies nearly a fifth of Ukrainian territory and continues operations, particularly in the eastern Donbas region, despite heavy losses and repeated Ukrainian strikes targeting supply lines and logistics.
The United States has pushed for an end to hostilities, brokering several rounds of talks in recent weeks, though no significant breakthrough has been announced.
In his address, Pope Leo underscored the broader human toll of the conflict. “Every war is truly a wound inflicted upon the entire human family; it leaves in its wake death, devastation and a trail of pain that marks generations,” he said, describing the immense suffering endured by the Ukrainian people.
The Pope urged the faithful worldwide to join in prayer “for the embattled people of Ukraine and for all those who suffer due to this war and every conflict in the world, that the long-awaited gift of peace may shine upon our days.”
His appeal echoes repeated calls for peace made by his predecessor, Pope Francis, who frequently described Ukraine as a “martyr” nation and consistently pressed for a negotiated end to the conflict.
Since his election, Pope Leo XIV has characterized the war as “senseless” and emphasized the need for “an authentic, just, and lasting peace as soon as possible.” He has repeatedly called for the release of prisoners and the return of children separated from their families.
In his Christmas Urbi et Orbi message, he again appealed for the silencing of arms, especially as winter conditions compounded the suffering of civilians affected by bombings and infrastructure damage.
Continuing the Vatican’s humanitarian engagement, Pope Leo has sent aid to Ukraine through the Papal Almoner and has met with families of soldiers, displaced persons, and Ukrainian pilgrims. He has also expressed solidarity with victims of war and praised the resilience and faith of the Ukrainian people.
The Pope has spoken by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reiterating the Holy See’s willingness to host negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.
While he has considered a possible visit to Kyiv, the pontiff has acknowledged the need for prudence amid ongoing hostilities. He has also encouraged stronger European engagement and a “serious commitment to dialogue” from all parties involved.
As the war enters its fifth year, Pope Leo XIV’s message remains clear: peace is not optional, but urgent and must be pursued without delay.
Edgardo Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
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