Overview
- Speaking after the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope called for weapons to fall silent, bombings to cease, an immediate ceasefire, and reinforced dialogue.
- He invited worldwide prayer for the “martyred Ukrainian people” and for all who suffer because of this and other conflicts.
- The Vatican reiterated its willingness to host negotiations, though reports note Russia has rejected a Vatican-hosted meeting.
- León XIV has met President Volodymyr Zelensky three times since May as Vatican envoys Konrad Krajevski and Matteo Zuppi pursue aid deliveries, prisoner exchanges, and efforts to free deported children.
- Fighting continues in Donbas and Zaporizhzhia, with reports estimating Russia controls roughly one-fifth of Ukraine as past negotiation efforts have stalled.