Pope Leo calls for diplomacy, warns ‘war only begets more war’

Pope Leo XIV appealed for an end to the “vicious cycle of violence” in the war between Russia and Ukraine and for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan during his Sunday Angelus address Aug. 9, warning that “war only begets more war” and calling for diplomacy and dialogue.

Speaking after leading the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo said distressing reports continued to arrive of innocent people being killed and injured in Ukraine and Russia.

“These incidents are occurring one after another, indeed they are multiplying, resulting in ever-increasing numbers of civilian victims, including children,” the Holy Father said. “My thoughts are with the victims’ families, the wounded, and all those who are suffering due to the ongoing conflict.”

The Pope appealed for international humanitarian law to be respected and for both sides to stop attacking civilian targets.

“War only begets more war and causes immense suffering,” he said. “It is time to put an end to this vicious cycle of violence and make room for diplomacy and dialogue, so as to open the way to peace.”

The Holy Father also said he continued to follow “with concern” the “tragic situation” in Sudan, particularly in the city of el-Obeid. He called on authorities to guarantee humanitarian corridors for civilians and urged the international community to support efforts toward an immediate ceasefire.

“Let us pray that the Lord may sustain those who are suffering, convert the hearts of those who sow violence, and grant the long-awaited peace,” he said.

The latest appeal followed Pope Leo’s Aug. 2 Angelus, when, as Zeale News reported, he urged continued prayer for diplomatic solutions and drew attention to war’s “weakest and most defenseless” victims, including children, the elderly, and the sick.

Earlier in Sunday’s address, the Pope reflected on the Gospel account of Jesus walking on the Sea of Galilee as His disciples struggled against a storm. Although the disciples had just witnessed the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, they found themselves helpless and afraid until Christ came walking across the water toward them.

The passage teaches Christians not to become presumptuous after success, Pope Leo explained, but also not to despair “in moments of darkness” when they feel powerless and their efforts appear to move them backward rather than forward.

“Whatever the circumstances, Jesus does not abandon us, and if we humbly welcome Him into the boat of our lives – through prayer, the sacraments, and listening to His Word – in Him, we will find peace, light, and strength for our journey,” the Holy Father said.

He concluded by asking the Blessed Virgin Mary, “who was proclaimed blessed for her faith,” to help the faithful live with trusting surrender to God.