Pope Leo XIV urges end to Ukraine violence and renewed diplomacy

Pope Leo XIV urged an end to violence in Ukraine and called for renewed diplomacy, expressing concern over recent attacks on cities and civilian infrastructure that have killed innocent people. Speaking after the Sunday Angelus prayer in Vatican City, the pontiff said he followed the news of violent attacks with a pained heart. He appealed for an end to destruction and asked that hearts open to dialogue, hoping recent efforts to resume negotiations yield concrete results. His remarks come amid an escalation of the war, with intensified Russian strikes on urban areas and high civilian casualties. Recent diplomatic contacts included US envoys visiting Moscow and Kiev, with proposals for a limited pause in aerial attacks on capitals.