Pope Leo XIV. on Wednesday he condemned the “sharp escalation” of the war in Ukraine, where Russia has intensified airstrikes in the past period. During a weekly audience at the Vatican, he expressed solidarity with civilians killed in recent attacks. TASR writes about it according to the Reuters agency and the Vatican News portal
- Pope Leo XIV condemned the sharp escalation of the war in Ukraine on Wednesday.
- He expressed solidarity with the civilians killed in the recent airstrikes.
- He emphasized that war does not solve problems, it only aggravates suffering and hatred.
- The Russian ministry called on foreigners to leave Kyiv because of the planned new strikes.
- The Pope also addressed Lebanon, where fighting continues despite a valid ceasefire.
“I am watching the war in Ukraine with concern. War does not solve problems, it makes them worse. It does not create security, but it multiplies suffering and hatred.” declared the Pope. “Where missiles and drones land, hopes die. Homes and places of worship are ruined, and innocent lives are destroyed,” he said.
Both Russia and Ukraine have intensified drone attacks in recent weeks. The Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday called on foreigners and diplomats to leave the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, as soon as possible. Russian forces are said to be preparing to launch new strikes, also targeting government buildings and military headquarters in Ukraine.
At the audience, the Pope also spoke to the faithful in Lebanon, where, despite the cease-fire, sporadic fighting continues between Israel and the militant Hezbollah movement.
