Pope offers prayers for peace during Ukraine's Independence Day celebration

In a heartfelt message, Pope Leo XIV addressed thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square, praying for the clamor of arms in Ukraine to fall silent. The Pope's plea came as he joined his Ukrainian brothers and sisters in praying for peace in the war-torn country.

Pope Leo XIV's message was specifically addressed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressing his prayers for the people of Ukraine who suffer from the ongoing conflict. Zelenskyy, in turn, thanked the Pope for his prayer and support during these challenging times.

The Pope's call for peace in Ukraine is part of a larger spiritual initiative, the 'Global Prayer for Ukraine'. This initiative, led by the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religions, aims to unite people worldwide in prayer for peace in Ukraine.

The 'Global Prayer for Ukraine' was first launched on Ukraine's Independence Day, August 24, 1991, the day Ukraine declared its independence from the Soviet Union. On this day, during the Angelus prayer, Pope Leo XIV drew attention to the initiative, urging people of goodwill to join in prayer for Ukraine.

Pope Leo XIV also pledged his prayers for the injured in Ukraine, asking God to console the Ukrainian people and grant them peace. He prayed that dialogue would open the path to peace for the good of all in Ukraine.

In a poignant moment, Pope Leo XIV entrusted Ukraine to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace. He also prayed for eternal rest for the departed in Ukraine, expressing his hope for peace, good, truth, and justice in the country.

Pope Leo XIV's prayers for Ukraine are not new. In fact, Pope Francis, who served from 2013 until his death on April 21, 2025, had previously sent a message expressing support and prayers for peace to President Zelenskyy.

As the world watches the situation in Ukraine unfold, the 'Global Prayer for Ukraine' serves as a powerful reminder of the unifying power of prayer and the hope for peace that unites people across the globe.