On Sunday, Pope Francis called on political leaders to pause and make efforts to mediate and negotiate a path to peace in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Speaking during the Regina Coeli address, the pontiff appealed to the faithful not to stop continuing to pray for peace:
A just, lasting peace, especially for the tormented Ukraine and for Palestine and Israel.
Reiterating his tireless call for those in power to do all they can to stop the ongoing conflicts, he prayed to the Risen Lord to enlighten and support those trying to find a negotiated political solution.
May the spirit of the Risen Lord enlighten and sustain all those who work to reduce the tension, and encourage gestures that make negotiations possible.
The pontiff has repeatedly called for an end to the two conflicts, urging leaders to begin negotiations to end the violence. On Wednesday, he renewed the appeal “for the exhausted and suffering civilian population to be allowed access to humanitarian aid and for the hostages to be released immediately.”
Directing his appeal to political leaders he said:
May the Lord give the leaders the ability to pause a little to mediate, to negotiate.
