Pope says he hopes latest efforts to resume peace talks on Ukraine will bear concrete fruit

Pope Leo XIV has expressed hope that peace for Ukraine is drawing closer amid visits by US presidential envoys to Moscow and Kyiv.

Source: Pope Leo XIV on social media, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Leo XIV said he hopes that the renewed negotiation process surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war will bring peace closer.

"My heart is united with the suffering of the people of Ukraine, who have lived in anguish and fear for years. I renew my appeal to put an end to the violence, halt the destruction, and open hearts to dialogue and peace! I hope that the efforts undertaken in recent days to resume negotiations will bear concrete fruit and make room for diplomacy," the Pope wrote.

In August, he called for an end to the Russia-Ukraine war and the cessation of attacks on civilian targets by both sides.

During his first Christmas address, Pope Leo XIV also called for peace in Ukraine.

Background:

• Negotiations with US presidential special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who previously travelled to Moscow for talks, are underway in Kyiv on 6 September.
• The first round of talks involving Witkoff, Kushner and the Ukrainian delegation has concluded and national security advisers from France, the UK and Germany will join the next round.

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