Pope Leo XIV hopes Ukraine peace talks bear fruit

Pope Leo XIV expressed hope for peace in Ukraine amid visits by US presidential negotiators to Moscow and Kyiv. He published the statement on social media on September 6, 2026. The Pope said his heart unites with the suffering of the Ukrainian people and renewed his appeal to end violence and open hearts to dialogue. He voiced hope that recent efforts to resume negotiations will yield concrete results and create space for diplomacy. Earlier in August, the Pope called for an end to attacks on civilian objects from both sides. His first Christmas address also urged peace in Ukraine. On September 6, talks with US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner continued in Kyiv, following their Moscow visit.