On the feast of the Conversion of St Paul, which marks the close of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Pope Leo invites Christians to continue on their shared mission of spreading the Gospel to all.

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Officials say Ukraine and Russia ended U.S.-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi without a deal, though more negotiations are expected next weekend despite ongoing attacks.

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VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Peace is built on respect for all people, Pope Leo XIV said after praying the Angelus with visitors gathered in St. Peter's Square Jan. 25.

The pope called for prayers for peace "in Ukraine, in the Middle East and in every region where, unfortunately, there is fighting going on for interests that are not those of the people."

"Peace is built on respect for peoples!" he said.

Greeting young people from Catholic Action who organized the annual "Caravan of Peace," the pope thanked them for helping "us adults to look at the world from another perspective: that of cooperation between people and among diverse peoples."

"Be peacemakers at home, at school, in sports, everywhere," he told the young people. "Never be violent, neither with words nor with gestures. Never!  Evil can only be overcome with good."

Speaking specifically about Ukraine, Pope Leo lamented the "continuous attacks" against the nation, which have left "entire populations exposed to the cold of winter."

"I am following the situation with sorrow, and I am close to and pray for those who suffer," he said.

"The continuation of hostilities, with increasingly serious consequences for civilians, widens the rift between peoples and pushes further back the opportunity for a just and lasting peace," he said, inviting everyone "to intensify their efforts to end this war."

WASHINGTON – Echoing the message Pope Leo XIV delivered at the Sunday Angelus today, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops reminded the faithful: “Peace is built on respect for people.” 

“Today, Pope Leo XIV reminds us that ‘the Gospel must be proclaimed and lived in every setting, serving as a leaven of fraternity and peace among all individuals, cultures, religions and peoples.’ 

“It is with this in mind that I prayerfully urge calm, restraint, and respect for human life in Minneapolis, and all those places where peace is threatened. Public authorities especially have a responsibility to safeguard the well-being of people in service to the common good. 

“As a nation we must come together in dialogue, turning away from dehumanizing rhetoric and acts which threaten human life. In this spirit, in unity with Pope Leo, it is important to proclaim, ‘Peace is built on respect for people!’”

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Republic of South Africa Methodist Church of Southern Africa minister, Reverend Ntobeko Dlamini, has commended the ecumenical efforts demonstrated by various Christian denominations during the week just ending. Christians around the world have been commemorating the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. This is an annual, worldwide Christian tradition observed from 18 January to 25 January.

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Carmelite Latinpatriarch and papal legate. Peter was born in Gascony, France and joined the Carmelites while still a young man. In 1342 he was appointed procurator of the order and, from Avignon, he oversaw the organization and government of the Carmelites. As Avignon was then the seat of the popes, he entered into their service, attracting papal attention because of his skills as a preacher and his elo�­quence. Named to the papal diplomatic service, he held the post of papal legate to Genoa, ...

During the Angelus, Pope Leo XIV highlights the observance of Sunday of the Word of God, thanks those who care for those affected by leprosy, and reminds Christians of the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

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During his Angelus address, Pope Leo XIV urges intensifying efforts to end the war in Ukraine and reiterates his appeal for prayers for peace in the nation and in other regions affected by conflict.

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At the Angelus, Pope Leo XIV reflects on the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, urging Christians not to be paralysed by fear or unfavourable circumstances, but to trust in God’s timing. He also calls on the faithful to proclaim the Gospel in every human setting, as a force for fraternity and peace.

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In his message for the 100th World Mission Day, Pope Leo XIV writes that the Church’s identity is to be a community in mission, “at the service of fraternity among all human beings and harmony with all creation.”

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