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.

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