Pope Leo mentions Ukrainian people in Easter message

On Sunday, April 12, Pope Leo XIV addressed the Ukrainian and Lebanese peoples while greeting Christians celebrating Easter according to the Eastern calendar.

According to Ukrinform, citing Vatican News, the Holy Father noted that many Eastern Churches celebrate Easter on April 12 according to the Julian calendar.

The Pope extended his wishes for peace, “in communion of faith in the Risen Lord,” to the Eastern Churches that today celebrate Easter according to the Julian calendar. His prayers also focused on those suffering due to wars and especially “for the dear people of Ukraine.”

“May the light of Christ bring comfort to afflicted hearts and strengthen the hope for peace. May the international community’s attention to the tragedy of this war not waver! the pontiff said after reciting the Regina Caeli prayer.

Pope Leo XIV also turned his thoughts to the “dear people of Lebanon,” who are experiencing days of suffering and fear, but also “unwavering hope in God.” He emphasized that the principle of humanity – rooted in every person’s conscience and recognized by international law – imposes a moral duty to protect civilians from the brutal consequences of war.

“I call on the parties in the conflict to declare a ceasefire and urgently seek a peaceful solution,” the Pope said.

The Holy Father also noted that next Wednesday marks three years since the start of the conflict in Sudan.

The Pope renewed his invitation to the warring parties to lay down their arms and begin, “without preconditions, a sincere dialogue aimed at ending this fratricidal war as soon as possible.”

As Ukrinform reported, on Sunday, April 12, Orthodox Christians and Greek Catholics celebrate one of the most important holidays of the year – Easter, or the Resurrection of Christ.