Hopeful Pope expresses desire for Trump-Putin summit to result in a halt to hostilities in Ukraine.
Pope Leo XIV Expresses Hope for Ceasefire in Ukraine and Concern for Gaza
Pope Leo XIV has expressed his hopes for a ceasefire in Russia's war on Ukraine, following a video call between European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with U.S. President Donald Trump a few hours prior. The pope's remarks were made during a press conference upon his arrival at the papal summer villa in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, on Aug. 13.
In response to a question from an Italian journalist regarding the upcoming Aug. 15 Trump-Putin meeting, the pope stated, "I hope for an end to the violence and many deaths in Ukraine. The purpose of the war is unclear, and it cannot continue."
However, the pope did not mention any dialogue or ceasefire in relation to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. His statement about Gaza was made earlier in the day, during his arrival at the papal summer villa. The pope expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, acknowledging the violence and terrorism of Hamas, but also expressing concern for those dying of hunger.
The concern was raised in response to Israel's ongoing military operations against Hamas, which have resulted in the death of close to 1,200 people and the kidnapping of hundreds. The pope did not share any thoughts on the purpose of the conflict in Gaza.
On Aug. 15, US President Donald Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss a ceasefire and the end of the war in Ukraine. The pope did not express any direct worry about the situation in Russia's war on Ukraine, but he did state that he is "very" worried about the overall situation and cannot continue as it is.
The pope's desire for dialogue, diplomacy, and not violence to resolve conflicts is well-known. He has previously called for an end to the violence in Ukraine and has expressed concern for the humanitarian situation in various conflict zones around the world.
