Pope Leo calls for dialogue, peace in Ukraine on Independence Day.
Vatican City, Aug 24 (EFE).
Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called for dialogue and peace in Ukraine, praying that weapons be silenced as the country marked its Independence Day.
In a letter to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the pontiff expressed his spiritual closeness to the Ukrainian people.
“With a heart wounded by the violence that ravages your land, I address you on this day of your national feast,” he wrote in the message published by Vatican News.
“I implore the Lord to move the hearts of people of goodwill, that the clamor of arms may fall silent and give way to dialogue, opening the path to peace for the good of all.”
Leo XIV, who has repeatedly expressed concern over the conflict and recently voiced hope for possible negotiations to end the Russian invasion, also assured Zelenskyy of his prayers for the nation’s suffering population, particularly the wounded, the bereaved, and those forced from their homes.
“May God Himself console them; may He strengthen the injured and grant eternal rest to the departed,” he added.
Zelenskyy, who shared the letter on social media, thanked the pontiff for his “moral leadership and apostolic support.”
“I am sincerely grateful to His Holiness for his thoughtful words, prayer, and attention to the people of Ukraine amid devastating war,” he said.
“All of our hopes and efforts are for our nation to achieve the long-awaited peace. For good, truth, and justice to prevail,” Zelenskyy said. EFE
