Pope calls for weapons to fall silent and for dialogue in Ukraine
Pope Leo XIV in Angola during his apostolic journey through Africa. Photo: Reuters
On April 19, 2026, Pope Leo XIV called for an immediate halt to hostilities in Ukraine and for a diplomatic path toward resolving the conflict. He made the appeal during the Regina Coeli prayer after Mass in Luanda, the capital of Angola, Vatican News reports.
The pontiff condemned the escalation of the war and urged that “the weapons fall silent.” He said all sides must resolutely pursue the path of dialogue in order to stop the violence.
“I deeply regret the recent intensification of attacks against Ukraine, which continue to affect the civilian population,” Leo XIV stressed before a crowd of 100,000 people. He expressed his prayerful closeness and support for all those suffering from the consequences of the strikes.
In addition to Ukraine, the head of the Catholic Church also addressed the situation in Lebanon. He described the declared ceasefire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah as “a sign of hope” and called on diplomats to continue working toward a lasting peace throughout the Middle East.
Earlier, the UOJ reported on the pope’s statement that he is not afraid of Trump and will continue to speak out against wars.
Read also
US proposes including the history of the Armenian and Greek genocides in school curricula
A bill has been introduced in Congress to establish a nationwide educational program dedicated to the Armenian Genocide and other persecutions of Christian peoples.
The Favor Foundation Delivered Aid to a UOC Parish in the Frontline Village of Yasnohirka
The community dedicated to George the Victorious in the Donetsk region received a gasoline generator and a charging station from the charitable foundation.
Court sets date for next hearing in Metropolitan Longin's case
Following another session of the Hertsa Court, the UOC hierarch thanked the faithful for their support.
Odesa vicar comments on whether UOC is in talks with Phanar
The Archbishop of Artsyz stated that online publications about his negotiations with Patriarch Bartholomew are a lie.
Region's principal relic, Turkovychi Icon of Theotokos, venerated in Kryvyi Rih
On the feast day of the wonderworking icon of the Mother of God, Metropolitan Ephrem of Kryvyi Rih led the Divine Liturgy and a religious procession at the cathedral.
OCU announces end of Filaret schism
The OCU Bishops’ Council claimed that “frantic attempts by pro-Russian forces to obstruct reconciliation” between Dumenko and Denysenko had failed.