Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called for an end to hostilities in the Ukraine war, urging both sides to halt attacks on civilian targets and respect international humanitarian law. Speaking during his midday prayer at the Vatican, the pontiff lamented that innocent people continue to be killed and wounded in Ukraine and Russia and appealed for diplomacy to be given space in resolving the conflict.
The pope also called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, urging the international community to support humanitarian corridors for the civilian population there.
The appeals come as civilian casualties in Ukraine continue to mount. More than 16,000 civilians have been killed in nearly four and a half years of fighting, according to the United Nations, with the vast majority being Ukrainians. The UN human rights office reported last month that civilian deaths and injuries rose by more than a third in the first half of 2026.