“Let the Weapons Fall Silent”: Pope Leo XIV Urges Ceasefire in Ukraine

Pope Leo XIV renewed his urgent call for peace in Ukraine on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, appealing for an immediate ceasefire and an end to bombardment, Vatican News reported on February 22.

Speaking after the Angelus prayer from the Apostolic Palace window, the Pope said, “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.”

Marking four years since the start of the war, he lamented the human toll and destruction, describing the war as “a wound inflicted upon the entire human family.” “So many victims, so many lives and families shattered, such immense destruction, such unspeakable suffering,” he said, stressing that “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 urged the faithful to pray “for the embattled people of Ukraine and for all those who suffer due to this war and every conflict in the world,” expressing hope that “the long-awaited gift of peace may shine upon our days,” according to Vatican News.

He reiterated calls for the release of prisoners and the return of children to their families, themes that have remained central in his appeals.

Building on the solidarity his predecessor established with the Ukrainian people, Pope Leo XIV has consistently dispatched humanitarian aid to Ukraine via the Papal Almoner. Alongside these relief efforts, the pontiff has engaged in both diplomatic and pastoral outreach, the Vatican News wrote.

This includes a phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, as well as multiple audiences with those directly affected by the war—ranging from frontline soldiers' families and vulnerable youth to refugees and the charities that support them.

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In recent meetings with Ukrainian pilgrims, he honored their homeland’s resilience, praising the faith of a nation rich with “the testimony of many saints” and “the blood of many martyrs.”

During an audience with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last December, Pope Leo reiterated the Holy See’s ongoing engagement and its readiness to host peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. His latest message underscored what he called the moral imperative to pursue “sincere, direct and respectful dialogue”—with the support of the international community—to end the war in Ukraine and alleviate civilian suffering, Vatican News reported.

Pope Leo has even weighed the possibility of visiting Kyiv, though he acknowledged the need for prudent realism. Upon returning from his first international trip, the pontiff directly addressed the escalating hybrid war, waged by Russia, and the severe toll it has taken on civilians and infrastructure.

Earlier, Pope Leo XIV had told journalists outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo in Italy that he was saddened by Russia’s refusal to agree to a Christmas ceasefire in its war against Ukraine.

“Among the things that cause me much sadness is that apparently Russia has refused a ceasefire request,” the pope said while speaking to reporters at his residence in Castel Gandolfo.

“I will make an appeal one more time to people of good will to respect at least Christmas day as a day of peace,” Leo said. “Maybe they will listen to us and there will be at least 24 hours, a day of peace, across the world,” he added.

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