Pope Leo appeals for dialogue to end wars in Ukraine and Middle East

Pope Leo XIV on Sunday renewed his appeal for a path of dialogue to be pursued in Ukraine, which is under increased Russian attacks, and in the Middle East, where he said, a ceasefire in Lebanon is "a sign of hope."

He was speaking during the Regina Coeli address after Holy Mass in the Kilamba district of Luanda in Angola on Sunday, on the second day of his visit to the southern African nation.

“I deeply regret the recent intensification of attacks against Ukraine, which continue to affect the civilian population,” the Pope said, and he expressed his closeness and prayers to all who are suffering.

“I renew my appeal for the weapons to fall silent,” he added, “and for the path of dialogue to be pursued.”

The past week has seen Russia launch the deadliest attacks in months on Ukraine, with more than 700 drones in multiple waves, killing at least 18 people in Odesa, Dnipro and Kyiv. The intensification of strikes came after a brief ceasefire took place during the Orthodox Easter last weekend, although both sides accused each other of hundreds of violations.