“Dear Ukrainian People”: Pope Sends Emotional Easter Blessing
FILE PHOTO: Pope Leo XIV presides over a Prayer Vigil and Rosary for Peace, in Saint Peter square at the Vatican, October 11, 2025. REUTERS/Matteo Minnella/File Photo
During his Easter greeting on April 12, Pope Leo XIV addressed the faithful of the Eastern Rite, who celebrate the holiday according to the Julian calendar.
The event is reported by Vatican News.
The pontiff focused on the need to maintain international support for the Ukrainian people and called for the establishment of peace, emphasizing that their suffering should not remain unnoticed by the global community.
“To all these communities, I send my most sincere wishes for peace in the communion of faith in the Risen Lord. I accompany them with even more fervent prayer for those who suffer from the war and especially for the dear Ukrainian people. May the light of Christ bring comfort to suffering hearts and strengthen hope for peace. May the attention of the international community to the tragedy of this war not fade!” the appeal says.
Leo XIV specifically mentioned the situation in Lebanon, where the population is in a state of prolonged instability and social upheaval. He recalled that, under international law, participants in any conflict are obliged to ensure the protection of civilians.
The pontiff also called on the warring parties to immediately cease fire and begin searching for a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
As a reminder, at the end of last year, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Pope Francis during a working visit to Italy. The meeting lasted about 30 minutes.
After the talks, Zelensky and the Pope went out onto the balcony of Villa Barberini, where they briefly greeted journalists. They made no statements or answered questions. The parties took a joint photo on the terrace.
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