Pope Leo XIV Urges Immediate Ceasefire in Ukraine on Fourth Anniversary of Conflict

Pontiff's Urgent Appeal for Peace

Vatican City – Pope Leo XIV renewed his urgent call for peace in Ukraine on Sunday, February 22, 2026, insisting on an immediate ceasefire and strengthened dialogue. The Pontiff's plea came just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022. Speaking during his weekly Angelus address to thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that 'peace cannot be postponed' and is 'an urgent necessity' that must be translated into 'responsible decisions'.

A Call for Silence and Dialogue

In his heartfelt address, Pope Leo XIV made a direct appeal for an end to the hostilities. He urged that 'the weapons fall silent,' 'the bombings cease,' and 'an immediate ceasefire be reached.' The Pontiff also stressed the importance of strengthening dialogue 'to pave the way toward peace.' He expressed his profound sorrow for the 'tragic situation' unfolding, lamenting 'so many victims, so many lives and families shattered, such immense destruction, such unspeakable suffering!' He characterized every war as 'a wound inflicted upon the entire human family,' leaving behind 'death, devastation, and a trail of pain that marks generations.'

Fourth Anniversary of Devastation

The Pope's remarks precede the somber fourth anniversary of the conflict, which has resulted in widespread devastation and a significant humanitarian crisis. Since the full-scale invasion in February 2022, millions of Ukrainians have been displaced or have fled as refugees. As of January 2026, 3.7 million people remain internally displaced within Ukraine, and an additional 5.3 million have sought refuge across Europe. The war has caused hundreds of thousands of military casualties and tens of thousands of civilian casualties. Russia currently occupies nearly 20 percent of Ukrainian territory.

Pope Leo XIV's Ongoing Engagement

Elected on May 8, 2025, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, is the first American-born Pontiff. Since his election, he has consistently advocated for peace in Ukraine. He has met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on multiple occasions, including after his inauguration and subsequent meetings in Villa Barberini and Castel Gandolfo. His continued appeals underscore the Vatican's commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the protracted conflict.