Summary
Pope Leo XIV addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine during his General Audience, emphasizing the need for prayers and solidarity. The papal audience noted that Russia has resumed bombings, targeting energy infrastructure, which had been attacked each winter since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022. This led to a significant attack over the weekend involving hundreds of drones and 32 ballistic missiles, resulting in at least ten casualties. Pope Leo expressed gratitude for Catholic dioceses’ initiatives aiding Ukrainians during this period of extreme cold, including those from Poland. The pontiff also highlighted ongoing U.S.-brokered peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, scheduled to resume on February 4 in Abu Dhabi. These meetings are part of a broader push to end the war, though progress has been slow; last month’s session did not achieve a breakthrough. The New START Treaty was renewed by Presidents of the United States and Russia in 2010, aiming to contain nuclear weapons proliferation. Pope Leo urged continued efforts toward disarmament and mutual trust, emphasizing that this pact needs concrete follow-up. He stressed urgent action against any new arms race threatening peace among nations, advocating for a shared ethos over fear and distrust. Austrian Cardinal Christoph Schönborn called for increased aid in Ukraine, describing the conflict as a “war of annihilation” targeting civilians by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Pope Leo’s speech underscores the severity of Ukraine’s current situation and emphasizes collective efforts towards peace.
Key Topics
Pope Leo XIV, Ukraine, Russia
