The Pope commented on the damage to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and called for dialogue

Pope Leo XIV expressed his condolences over the destruction of churches and cultural heritage sites in Kyiv, as well as the loss of life amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. In his statement, the pontiff called for prayers for the opening of “paths of dialogue” and the achievement of a just peace, without mentioning Russia as the perpetrator of the attack.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church responded to the damage to sites at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra following a recent shelling. In a post on the social media platform X, he noted the destruction of churches and cultural heritage sites, as well as the deaths of innocent people and rescue workers.

“Sad news about the war in Ukraine, which continues to escalate. Many innocent victims, fallen rescue workers, and churches and cultural heritage sites destroyed by fire,” reads the pontiff’s statement, as quoted by the source.

Leo XIV also expressed solidarity with those mourning the loss of loved ones and with people who continue to serve life amid the violence. In closing, he called on the faithful to join together in praying to God for an end to hatred, for opportunities for negotiations, and for the establishment of a just peace.

As a reminder, Greece previously announced its readiness to support the restoration of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage site damaged as a result of the Russian attack on June 15. Athens intends to fund preparatory studies for the restoration of the complex and to expand cooperation with Ukraine in the field of cultural heritage protection.