STORY: Pope Leo renewed his appeal for peace in Ukraine on Sunday (August 24), which marks the country’s independence from the Soviet Union.

During his traditional weekly address from the Vatican, the Pope encouraged faithful to join Ukrainians in their spiritual initiative, the World Prayer for Ukraine, “asking the Lord to grant peace to their tormented country”.

Ukraine marks its Independence Day on Sunday, the 34th anniversary of the country proclaiming independence from the Soviet Union.

Despite talk of peace by Russia and Ukraine, the deadliest European war since World War Two is continuing along the 2,000 km (1,250 mile) front line accompanied by missile and drone attacks deep into both Russia and Ukraine.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: VATICAN CITY (AUGUST 24, 2025) (VATICAN MEDIA - Access all)

1. VIEW OF ST PETER'S SQUARE

2. PAPAL BANNER

3. FAITHFUL GATHERED IN THE SQUARE

4. POPE LEO GREETING FAITHFUL

5. VARIOUS OF FAITHFUL

6. POPE LEO BLESSING FAITHFUL

7. FAITHFUL WAVING YELLOW DRAPES

8. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO, SAYING:

"Today we join our Ukrainian brothers and sisters who, with the spiritual initiative ‘World Prayer for Ukraine’, are asking the Lord to grant peace to their tormented country.”

9. FAITHFUL HOLDING UKRAINIAN FLAG (AUDIO OF POPE LEO SAYING: "Greetings to all of you, faithful of Rome!")

10. FAITHFUL HOLDING A BANNER READING (Italian): "Rovato's boys with you"

11. POPE LEO GREETS THE CROWD

12. VIEW OF THE CROWD IN ST PETER'S SQUARE

13. CROWD LEAVING ST PETER'S SQUARE AT THE END OF THE PRAYER