Pope Leo calls for ‘weapons to fall silent’ in Ukraine

WorldPolitics
20 Apr 2026 • 12:18 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Pope Leo calls for ‘weapons to fall silent’ in Ukraine

  • Pope Leo appealed for an end to the war in Ukraine during his tour of Africa.
  • The Pontiff made his plea on Sunday, April 19, after a Mass attended by around 100,000 people outside Angola's capital.
  • He called for “weapons to fall silent and for the path of dialogue to be followed” in Ukraine.
  • Prior to this, Pope Leo praised the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
  • He also expressed solidarity and prayers for the Ukrainian people on X, reiterating his call for peace.

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