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
Bulgarian theologian comments on the suspension of a cleric who concelebrated with the OCU
Theologian Valentin Velchev noted that the cleric of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church had previously concelebrated with the OCU without authorization, despite a ban from Patriarch Daniel.
Bulgarian theologian comments on the suspension of a cleric who concelebrated with the OCU
Theologian Valentin Velchev noted that the cleric of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church had previously concelebrated with the OCU without authorization, despite the prohibition by Patriarch Daniel.
UOC-KP Elected a Cleric Who Transferred from the OCU as "Bishop"
OCU cleric Alexei Nikolishin, along with his community, was received into the UOC-KP.
Dumenko explained to Polish politicians how to overcome historical contradictions
Epifaniy Dumenko proposed using the approach of John Paul II to resolve contradictions.
Patriarch Theophilos Honors the Memory of Saint Mary Magdalene in Gethsemane
The Primate of the Jerusalem Church visited the Russian monastery in Gethsemane and called Saint Mary Magdalene an example of faithfulness to Christ.
Pochaiv Reserve Administration Contacts Police Over Procession to the Lavra
The reserve administration is asking police to verify whether permits were obtained for a religious procession of several thousand UOC faithful to Pochaiv Lavra.