Home · Faith · Sep 6 archive
Pope Expresses Sorrow Over Ukraine Attacks, Calls for Diplomacy
Confirmed
In Short: Pope Leo XIV expressed sorrow over recent violent attacks in Ukraine and called for honest dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict, as Russian missile and drone campaigns continue.
Following the latest violent attacks in Ukraine, Pope Leo XIV expressed sorrow and called for honest dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict, according to reports. The attacks, which killed dozens and disrupted power in the Odesa region, have intensified Russian missile and drone campaigns, according to Ukrainian officials.
The pope, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, also reflected on the Gospel passage, instructing his disciples in fraternal correction, and emphasized the importance of praying together to build unity among Christians. He expressed hope that the efforts to resume negotiations will bear fruit and open space for diplomacy.
Meanwhile, U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin for renewed talks on ending the war in Ukraine. The talks, which followed a ceasefire that lasted just a few hours, were part of ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict.
Ukrainian officials welcomed the U.S. envoys at the station in Kyiv, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met them at a ceremony. While the talks were not solely focused on the war in Ukraine, they represent a step towards potential peace negotiations. Despite the ceasefire, Russian attacks continued, killing one and wounding at least 10 others, according to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service.
What's confirmed
- “With a sorrowful heart, I have followed the news of the latest violent attacks that have recently struck several cities and civilian infrastructures in Ukraine, causing the deaths of innocent people,” the pope told pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, following the recitation of the Angelus.
What's still developing
- “This is a delicate art, too often forgotten, that calls for frankness and a gradual approach. Speaking honestly with one another — first face to face, then, if necessary, with two or three others, and finally, when required, with the whole community — means facing reality and transforming problems and conflicts into opportunities for growth. Complaining and speaking ill of others are easier, but they accomplish nothing and leave many situations paralyzed,” the pope said.
- Earlier, in his catechesis before leading pilgrims in the Marian prayer, Pope Leo reflected on the day’s Gospel reading (Matthew 18:15-20), in which Jesus instructs his disciples in fraternal correction.
- Pope Leo makes constant appeals for peace in the many, many conflicts that are raging in the world.
- My heart goes out to the suffering people, who for years have lived in anguish and fear.
- Kyrylo Budanov, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, said representatives of Ukraine's European partners, from France, Germany and the United Kingdom, were also in Kyiv.
- While Moscow offered its “comprehensive assessment” of the battlefield situation in Ukraine, Ushakov said, the talks weren't purely focused on the war in Ukraine.
- Ukraine’s air force said Sunday that it intercepted 82 drones out of the 108 launched by Russia overnight, along with six missiles.
- “We’ve seen this so-called ceasefire for three days, which ended after just a couple of hours, and now we’re supposed to naively think that two people will come and change something.” ___ Associated Press journalists Volodymyr Yurchuk and Yevhenii Ocheretianyi in Kyiv, Ukraine, and Elise Morton in London contributed to this report.