"Where missiles and drones fall, hopes are crushed, homes and places of worship are destroyed, and innocent lives are cut short."
Pope Leo ended the general audience of this May 27 by making an appeal for peace in Ukraine, insisting, "War does not solve problems; it exacerbates them."
I am following with concern the war in Ukraine, which has intensified significantly in recent days. I wish to express my solidarity with all those suffering as a result of the recent attacks, which have also targeted civilians.
War does not solve problems; it exacerbates them. It does not build security; it multiplies suffering and hatred. Where missiles and drones fall, hopes are crushed, homes and places of worship are destroyed, and innocent lives are cut short.
I entrust all peoples stricken by war to the protection of the Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace.
On the night of Saturday, May 23, to Sunday, May 24, the Russian army launched a massive bombing campaign against Ukraine, causing numerous deaths and injuries, particularly in the capital, Kyiv.
