Pope Leo seeks immediate truce

Pope Leo XIV called for an immediate ceasefire Sunday, while fighting, appealing to all sides to respect international law and protect civilians.

Speaking after his noon prayer at the Vatican, the Pope indicated that he felt “closer than ever to” with the people of Lebanon, the Clankosova.tv broadcasts.

He stressed that the principle of humanity forces all sides to protect civil populations from the consequences of war, while Israeli attacks continue in southern regions.

Its appeal comes at a moment when military operations have intensified in southern Lebanon in recent days, following new land action and cross-border missile exchanges in early April 2026.

While the attacks in Beirut have eased, clashes continue near the border, raising international observers' concerns.

Pope Leo also congratulates Orthodox Easter and called for more attention to the conflicts in Ukraine and Sudan.