At the end of the general audience on Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV directed his gaze to the population suffering from the devastating consequences of war, especially in Ukraine and Gaza.
During his greeting the faithful of Italian language, the Holy Father regretted that the Ukrainian people are being hit by “new and serious attacks” against civilians and infrastructure.
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He also assured his closeness and prayer for all the victims, in particular for the children and families of this nation that lives under the constant threat of the bombs since the Russian army invaded it in February 2022.
“I firmly renew the call to stop war and support any dialogue and peace initiative,” he said below.
In addition, he urged the faithful to join “in the prayer for peace in Ukraine and wherever they are suffered because of the war.”
Pope Leo XIV also alluded to the Gaza Strip, where “the crying of mothers and fathers, who narrow in their arms the lifeless bodies of their children.”
He also regretted that “they are continuously forced to move in search of a little food and a safer shelter against bombing.”
“To those responsible I renew my call: the fire cease, all the hostages are released, the humanitarian law is fully respected! Maria, Queen of Peace, pray for us!” Exclaimed the Holy Father.
Almudena Martínez-Bordiú
Graduated in journalism and advertising from the CEU San Pablo University of Madrid. Specialized in religious information in Spain since 2015. It has been a senior correspondent for ACI Press and Ewtn News at the Vatican for two years and is currently a correspondent for Europe based on Spain.