Pope Leo XIV: appeal for peace in Ukraine and reflection on fraternal correction

"With a saddened soul, I followed the news of the violent attacks that recently hit several cities and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of innocent people." Pope Leo XIV said this during the usual Sunday Angelus. "My heart unites with the suffering of the population who have lived in anguish and fear for years", continued the Pontiff, then launching an appeal "to put an end to violence, to stop the destruction, to open hearts to dialogue and peace". The hope, he continued, "is that the efforts undertaken in recent days to resume negotiations will bear concrete fruit and open up space for diplomacy".

The Pope then commented on the Gospel of the day. There are "at least two ways of exercising mutual love. The first is to become capable of fraternal correction", underlined Leo XIV. "It is a delicate and too often forgotten art, which requires frankness and gradualness. The second way is to reach an agreement." Then he continued: "Speaking sincerely to each other - first face to face, then if necessary between two or three people, finally, when necessary, with the entire community - means facing reality and transforming problems and conflicts into steps for growth". Complaining and slander, the Pontiff continued, "are easier, but they generate nothing and paralyze many situations. The Gospel, on the other hand, teaches us to freedom, in charity". Then, in conclusion: "There is then a second way of loving fraternally, which for Jesus transforms even prayer: coming to an agreement. Not only when there is a conflict, but to ask God for some gift." Lastly, the appeal to faith. "Without faith, everyone could feel alone and suspect others, seeing them as strangers and enemies. By grace, we are instead brothers and sisters who can get along: meeting, forgiving and listening to each other in the Lord", he concluded.