Following his Sunday Angelus address at St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV issued an urgent global appeal for peace, urging world leaders to halt conflict and make immediate room for diplomacy.
Expressing deep spiritual closeness to the people of Sudan, the Pope called on the international community to back an immediate ceasefire and demanded that authorities guarantee humanitarian corridors to save besieged cities like el-Obeid from catastrophe. Turning his attention to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Russia, the Holy Father forcefully condemned the mounting toll of civilian casualties, reminding both sides that "war only breeds more war" and demanding that international humanitarian law be strictly respected.
Pope Leo XIV also shared a joyful message for the thousands of young people gathering for summer faith activities. Recalling his recent August 6 meeting with youth in Assisi, he challenged them to look to the week's saints—including St. Dominic and St. Clare—as inspiring, courageous witnesses to the Gospel in modern times.
Read the complete papal address and access multi-language transcripts on Vatican News. You can also read his full theological reflection on Vatican News: Darkest Moments.