Pope Leo: Peace Cannot be Postponed

by Admin · February 24, 2026

Pope Leo Audience, February 22, 2026

St Peter’s Square, February 22, 2026 –

Dear brothers and sisters,

Four years have passed since the beginning of the war against Ukraine. My heartfelt thoughts remain focused on the tragic situation unfolding before the eyes of the whole world: so many victims, so many lives and families shattered, such immense destruction, such unspeakable suffering! Every war is truly a wound inflicted upon the entire human family; it leaves in its wake death, devastation and a trail of pain that marks generations.

Peace cannot be postponed. It is an urgent necessity that must find a home in our hearts and be translated into responsible decisions. For this reason, I renew my heartfelt appeal: let the weapons fall silent, let the bombings cease, let an immediate ceasefire be reached, and let dialogue be strengthened to pave the way toward peace.

I invite everyone to join in prayer for the embattled people of Ukraine and for all those who suffer due to this war and every conflict in the world, that the long-awaited gift of peace may shine upon our days.

I now extend my greetings to all of you: the faithful of Rome and pilgrims from Italy and various other countries.

I warmly bless the Working Sisters of Jesus on the centenary of the founding of their Institute. I greet the School of Saint Joseph Calasanzio in Prievidza, Slovakia, and I offer my encouragement to the associations committed to addressing rare diseases together.

I greet the Apostleship of Prayer group from Biella; the faithful from Nicosia, Castelfranco Veneto, and the deanery of Melegnano; the confirmation candidates from Boltiere; the young people of the Saint Mary Magdalene pastoral community in Milan; and the scouts from Tarquinia.

I wish everyone a happy Sunday and a fruitful Lenten journey.

https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/angelus/2026/documents/20260222-angelus.html