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Pope Leo decries ramp-up in Ukraine war, calls for 'weapons to fall silent'

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on April 19, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: April 20, 2026

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Pope Leo decries ramp-up in Ukraine war, calls for 'weapons to fall silent'
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LUANDA, April 19 - Pope Leo on Sunday decried the intensification of the war in Ukraine, calling "for the weapons to fall silent and for the path of dialogue to be followed." The pope made the appeal

Pope Leo Calls for End to Intensified Ukraine War and Urges Dialogue

Pope Leo's Appeal for Peace Amid Global Conflicts

Condemnation of Ukraine War Escalation

LUANDA, April 19 - Pope Leo on Sunday decried the intensification of the war in Ukraine, calling "for the weapons to fall silent and for the path of dialogue to be followed."

Mass Gathering in Angola

The pope made the appeal after a Mass outside Angola's capital Luanda that drew roughly 100,000 people.

Comments on Middle East Ceasefire

Recognition of Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire

The first U.S. pope also praised the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, to end fighting between Israeli forces and Iran-backed Hezbollah, as a "reason for hope."

Reporting and Editorial Credits

(Reporting by Joshua McElwee; Editing by Robbie Corey-Boulet and Jane Merriman)

Key Takeaways

  • Pope Leo XIV used his Angola visit to renew his call for an end to conflict in Ukraine, echoing his past appeals that peace depends on dialogue not arms (apnews.com)
  • He voiced particular concern about global conflicts, recalling earlier appeals for ceasefires in the Middle East and Ukraine (vaticannews.va)
  • He praised the recent Israel–Lebanon truce— a tentative 10‑day ceasefire brokered by the U.S.— as a “reason for hope” in a volatile region (apnews.com)

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Pope Leo say about the Ukraine war?
Pope Leo called for the weapons to fall silent and for dialogue to be followed in the intensifying Ukraine conflict.
Where did Pope Leo make his appeal for Ukraine?
He made the appeal after a Mass outside Angola's capital city, Luanda.
How many attended Pope Leo's Mass in Angola?
Approximately 100,000 people attended the outdoor Mass.
What did Pope Leo say about the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire?
He praised the ceasefire as a reason for hope in the region.

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