Pope Leo XIV urges end to Ukraine violence, backs renewed diplomacy

Pope Leo XIV on Sunday made a fresh appeal for peace in Ukraine, expressing grief over recent attacks on cities and civilian infrastructure that have caused loss of life.

Speaking from his studio window overlooking St. Peter's Square, the Pontiff said his heart was with those who have endured years of anguish and fear. He called for an end to the violence and destruction, urging all sides to open themselves to dialogue.

The Pope said he hoped efforts made in recent days to resume negotiations would "bear concrete fruit" and allow diplomacy to take precedence.

His remarks come as US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Kyiv as part of a renewed push for peace following Russia's full-scale invasion. The visit follows a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Saturday that lasted over three hours but ended without any breakthroughs.

Meanwhile, the air war between Russia and Ukraine has intensified, even as ground troops struggle to make significant progress along the 1,250-kilometre front line.