Beatriz Alonso de Medina
With 1,554 days of war in Ukraine, many people have almost forgotten about the conflict. But Pope Leo XIV has not, and raised his concern over the Eastern European conflict.
POPE LEO XIV
I continue to follow the war in Ukraine with concern, as it has seen a strong intensification in recent days. I wish to express my closeness to all those who are suffering because of the recent attacks, including those carried out against civilians.
In addition, he once again emphasized a principle he has repeated in his speeches since the beginning of his papacy.
POPE LEO XIV
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. I entrust all peoples wounded by war to the protection of the Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace.
In the context of this week's general audience, which is held every Wednesday with thousands of pilgrims, he focused his catechesis on the liturgy. Making an appeal to priests, he defended the need to adapt certain rituals without breaking with the tradition of the Church:
POPE LEO XIV
In particular, I urge priests who exercise the ministry of liturgical leadership always to preserve that respect for the texts and norms of the liturgy which arises from an inner attitude of openness and trust in God, showing humility before His greatness and sincere fidelity to ecclesial communion.
Finally, as always, he gave his apostolic blessing to those present and and chanted the Lord’s Prayer with them in Latin.
