Pope Leo XIV, during his speech following Sunday prayers at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, extended a special greeting to pilgrims from Ukraine.

This was reported by Vatican News.

«Dear friends, peace is the longing of all nations and the painful plea of those tormented by war. Let us ask the Lord to touch the hearts and inspire the minds of rulers to choose dialogue over violence,» emphasized the Pontiff after the «Angelus» prayer.

While welcoming the pilgrims, the Holy Father noted that their journey to the Holy Doors during this «great heat of the season» is particularly bold and admirable. The Pope also acknowledged several groups of believers, specifically mentioning the Greek-Catholic pilgrims from Ukraine, who responded with loud applause.

He addressed English-speaking pilgrims with greetings and expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones due to flooding in Texas, USA.

On Thursday, July 3, Pope Leo XIV visited a children's camp in the Vatican, where children from Ukraine were also present.