During the Angelus prayer this Sunday (11), Pope Leo XIV called for “peace and dialogue” in the Middle East and renewed his call for an end to violence in Ukraine.
The pontiff’s message comes amid uncertainty in the Middle East, with Iranian authorities facing some of the biggest anti-government demonstrations in years.
“My thoughts turn to what is happening today in the Middle East, particularly in Iran and Syria, where persistent tensions are causing the deaths of many people. I hope and pray that dialogue and peace are cultivated with patience, seeking the common good of the entire society.”
The , having begun in response to rising inflation, quickly became politicized, with protesters demanding an end to theocratic rule.
Leão also recalled what happened earlier this week and said he prays for everyone who is suffering.
“In Ukraine, new attacks, particularly serious ones, aimed mainly at energy infrastructure, just as the cold intensifies, are taking a heavy toll on the civilian population. I pray for those who are suffering and renew my call for an end to the violence and intensified efforts to achieve peace.”
As a result of the attack, more than a thousand residential buildings in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, remain without heating, local authorities reported on Sunday (11).
On Friday (9), a missile attack in Kiev left practically the entire city without electricity and heating amid a strong cold wave, and only this Sunday did the authorities restore the water supply and partially the electricity and heating.
