Pope John XIV: Innocent people are suffering in Russia and Ukraine, I repeat my appeal for attacks to stop | UN reports over 16,000 civilian deaths since Feb 2022

Pope John XIV has once again appealed for an end to the conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing the tragic toll on innocent civilians in both Russia and Ukraine. During a Sunday service, the pontiff stated that the "number of tragic incidents is growing, causing an increasing number of civilian casualties, including children."

"I repeat my sincere appeal to respect international humanitarian law and to cease attacks on civilian targets from both sides," the Pope added. His words come amid continued fighting, with recent exchanges of fire resulting in the deaths of at least seven civilians and injuries to others on both sides, according to local authorities.

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The number of tragic incidents is growing, causing an increasing number of civilian casualties, including children.

The United Nations reports that over 16,000 civilians have been killed in the war in Ukraine since it began in February 2022. The vast majority of these casualties are Ukrainian. The Pope's renewed plea underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the devastating impact of the conflict on civilian populations.

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I repeat my sincere appeal to respect international humanitarian law and to cease attacks on civilian targets from both sides.