Pope Leo decries 'sharp intensification' of war in Ukraine

War does not solve problems, but aggravates them, he says

Pope Leo XIV arrives for the weekly general audience in St Peter's Square at the Vatican, May 27, 2026. REUTERS

Pope Leo on Wednesday decried what he called a "sharp intensification" of the war in Ukraine, telling pilgrims at his weekly audience at the Vatican that he wanted to express closeness to civilians killed in recent attacks.

"I am following with concern the war in Ukraine," Leo, the first US pope, said. "War does not solve problems, but aggravates them. It does not build security, but multiplies suffering and hatred".

"Where missiles and drones fall, hopes also fall, homes and places of worship are destroyed, and innocent lives are shattered," he said.