Pope Leo XIV Urges Fasting and Prayer for Peace as Violence Rages in Gaza and Ukraine

Pope Leo XIV has called on faithful worldwide to fast coming Friday and pray for peace and justice in the Middle East and Ukraine, The Associated Press reported Wednesday. Returning to the Vatican after his summer retreat at Castel Gandolfo, the pope stressed on the importance of praying, and said that “the Lord grants peace and justice, and dries the tears of all those who are suffering as a result of the armed conflicts underway.”

Wednesday marked Leo’s first day back in Rome, with the pope scheduled to attend a string of key events in the coming days, including preparations for the Vatican’s 2025 Holy Year and the September canonisation of Carlo Acutis, the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint.

At the end of Wednesday’s general audience, the pope received a Ping-Pong table adorned with his papal coat of arms, the report said. Pope Leo, who is believed to be an ace tennis player himself, jokingly struggled with the paddle, letting the ball roll into the net as others looked on.

Violence Continues in Ukraine as Leaders Seek Peace

Ukraine remains under frequent attack, with overnight strikes hitting civilian areas in Sumy and Odesa, reportedly injuring 15 people including a family with three small children, according to Ukrainian authorities. Reports suggest ports and energy infrastructure have also been targeted in recent days.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, meanwhile, said that these attacks “only confirm the need for pressure on Moscow, the need to introduce new sanctions and tariffs until diplomacy works to its full potential.”

Despite recent meetings hosted by US President Donald Trump with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy, no concrete progress toward peace has yet been announced. Zelenskyy insists on “strong security guarantees to ensure a truly secure and lasting peace.”

Meanwhile, Kyiv’s European allies are exploring forming a security force to backstop any peace agreement, though the role of the US remains unclear, especially against the backdrop of Trump ruling out sending American troops to defend Ukraine.

Israel Prepares for Expanded Gaza Operation

Meanwhile, Israel’s military announced plans to call up 60,000 reservists and extend the service of 20,000 more as it prepares a new phase of operations in Gaza City, which is believed to be one of Hamas’s last strongholds.

An Israeli military official told AP thT troops will focus on areas where Hamas is still active, including targeting its vast underground tunnel networks in densely populated Gaza City neighborhoods like Zeitoun and Jabaliya.

The latest wave of escalation comes despite widespread calls for a ceasefire, as Israel aims to neutralise Hamas militants after the group’s deadly attack on October 7, 2023, which reportedly killed about 1,200 people and abducted 251 hostages. Hamas has demanded a lasting ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal in exchange for releasing remaining captives.