On Sunday, 25 January 2026, during the Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square in Vatican City, Pope Leo XIV called for intensified international efforts to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, highlighting the continued suffering of civilians and the growing distance from a just and lasting peace. The appeal was delivered during the Pope’s weekly address following the midday prayer and was reported by The WP Times, citing Vatican News.
Addressing thousands of pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square, the Pontiff urged the faithful to pray for peace in regions affected by armed conflict, with particular reference to Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as other parts of the world where war continues to claim lives and devastate communities.
Speaking about Ukraine, Pope Leo XIV said that the country continues to face relentless attacks, leaving civilian populations exposed to worsening humanitarian conditions, especially during the winter period. He noted that ongoing strikes have placed additional strain on daily life, with families facing cold temperatures, damaged infrastructure and uncertainty over access to essential services.
“I follow what is happening with sorrow. I am close to those who suffer, and I pray for them,” the Pope said. He warned that the prolonged nature of the conflict is producing increasingly serious consequences for civilians, widening divisions between peoples and pushing the prospect of a just and lasting peace further away.
The Pontiff appealed to all parties and to the international community to renew their efforts to stop the fighting. “I urge everyone to intensify their efforts to end the war,” he said, underlining that violence cannot provide a sustainable solution and that dialogue remains essential.
The Pope’s remarks come amid continued reports of attacks on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. The conflict, which has entered its fourth year, has resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread damage to housing, energy facilities and public services, according to international assessments.
During the Angelus address, Pope Leo XIV also reflected on the broader moral cost of war, stressing that prolonged violence erodes trust between nations and undermines the foundations needed for reconciliation. He emphasised that peace must be rooted in justice and respect for human dignity rather than imposed through force.
The Vatican leader has repeatedly spoken about the humanitarian impact of the war in Ukraine. Earlier this month, on 11 January, he publicly called on Russia to halt strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, warning of severe consequences for civilians, particularly during winter. He expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian population following renewed large-scale attacks on energy facilities and urged believers to pray for a just and lasting peace.
According to the Pope, reports of shelling in Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, continue to cause deep concern. Such attacks have resulted in civilian deaths and injuries, including among children, further compounding the humanitarian toll of the conflict.
On Sunday, the Pope also addressed a group of young members of Catholic Action who were present in St Peter’s Square. He thanked them for launching the “Caravan for Peace” initiative and praised their efforts to promote cooperation and understanding across communities despite differences.
Turning to the young people, Pope Leo XIV encouraged them to become builders of peace in their everyday lives — at home, at school, in sport and in society more broadly. He urged them to reject all forms of violence, whether physical or verbal, reminding them that wrongdoing cannot be overcome through aggression.
“Evil is overcome by good, not by violence, neither in words nor in actions,” the Pope said. He added that peace is built through daily choices rooted in respect, solidarity and responsibility towards others.
Concluding the address, the Pontiff invited the faithful to pray together for peace in Ukraine, in the Middle East and in every region affected by war. He lamented that conflicts are often driven by interests that do not reflect the needs of ordinary people and called for renewed commitment to dialogue and humanitarian values.
“Peace is built through respect for people,” he said, reiterating his appeal for sustained efforts to end the violence and move towards reconciliation. Read about the life of Westminster and Pimlico district, London and the world. 24/7 news with fresh and useful updates on culture, business, technology and city life: Pope Leo XIV urges Russia to stop strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure
