Pope Leo XIV has said there is a moral obligation to protect civilians from the horrific effects of war, renewing appeals for peace in Ukraine, Lebanon and Sudan after the recitation of the Regina Caeli in St Peter’s Square.
Speaking on Sunday 12 April, the Pope said: “The principle of humanity, inscribed in the conscience of every person and recognized in international law, entails a moral obligation to protect the civilian population from the horrific effects of war.”
He extended Easter greetings to the Eastern Churches celebrating according to the Julian calendar and said his thoughts were with those suffering because of war, especially “the dear people of Ukraine”. He prayed that the light of Christ might comfort afflicted hearts and strengthen hope for peace, while urging that the international community’s attention to the conflict should not weaken.
