Pope Leo XIV calls for dialogue to end war in Ukraine and supports Lebanon ceasefire as hope for Middle East peace during Angola visit.
Newsroom (20/04/2026 Gaudium Press ) Pope Leo XIV on Sunday issued a renewed global appeal for peace, urging dialogue and diplomacy to end ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as he addressed thousands of faithful during the Regina Coeli prayer following Mass in Angola’s capital.
Speaking in the Kilamba district of Luanda on the second day of his visit to the southern African nation, the Pope expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in Ukraine, where intensified Russian attacks have continued to take a heavy toll on civilians.
“I deeply regret the recent intensification of attacks against Ukraine, which continue to affect the civilian population,” he said, offering prayers and spiritual solidarity to those suffering amid the conflict.
The Pope’s remarks come after a week marked by some of the deadliest assaults in months. More than 700 drones were launched by Russia in multiple waves, striking cities including Odesa, Dnipro, and Kyiv, and leaving at least 18 people dead. The surge in violence followed a brief ceasefire observed during Orthodox Easter, though both sides reported numerous violations.
Against this backdrop, Pope Leo renewed his call for an immediate cessation of hostilities. “I renew my appeal for the weapons to fall silent,” he said, emphasizing the need to pursue dialogue as the only viable path toward peace.
Turning to the Middle East, the pontiff highlighted recent developments in Lebanon, describing a newly announced ceasefire as a “sign of hope.” The 10-day truce between Israel and Lebanon, which took effect on Thursday, was announced earlier in the day by the President of the United States.
The ceasefire follows a prolonged period of violence in which Israeli attacks targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon have killed nearly 2,000 people, injured thousands, and displaced tens of thousands more.
“The announced truce in Lebanon is a sign of hope, offering relief to the Lebanese people and to the wider Levant,” Pope Leo said. He urged all parties involved in diplomatic efforts to remain committed to peace negotiations, expressing hope that the ceasefire could pave the way for a lasting end to hostilities across the region.
“I encourage those engaged in seeking a diplomatic solution to continue along the path of peace, so that the end of hostilities throughout the Middle East may become lasting,” he added.
The Pope’s message formed part of a broader call for unity and compassion delivered during the Mass, which concluded with an invitation for collective prayer. Addressing the faithful gathered in Luanda’s Kilamba esplanade, he underscored the importance of acknowledging human suffering while sustaining hope.
“With this joyful hymn, we do not wish to silence or drown out the cry of those who suffer,” he said. “Rather, we seek to embrace it and join it to our own voices in a new harmony, so that even in pain the light of faith may remain alive.”
Reflecting on the Christian belief in the resurrection, Pope Leo emphasized the enduring call to foster peace and justice in daily life. “United with him and in him as one body,” he said, “we must strive today and every day to foster around us the fruits of Easter: love, true justice, and peace, beyond every obstacle and difficulty.”
He concluded with a prayer invoking the Virgin Mary, asking that her presence help sustain faith and strength among believers. “May the Mother of Jesus, Mother of the Heart, help us always to feel alive and strong within us, the presence of her risen Son close at hand.”
Pope Leo XIV is currently in Angola as part of the third leg of his four-nation apostolic journey across the African continent, where themes of peace, solidarity, and faith continue to define his message.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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