STORY: Pope Leo on Sunday (April 12) said how close he felt to the "beloved Lebanese people" and called for a ceasefire, with the conflict in the Middle East entering its seventh week.

Speaking after the Regina Caeli prayer - which replaces the Angelus prayer during Easter time - the Pope said there was "a moral obligation to protect the civilian population from the atrocious effects of war."

He also recalled the war in Ukraine, expressing hope that the international community’s attention on the conflict would not falter.

The pontiff also addressed the conflict in Sudan ahead of his upcoming 10-day trip to Africa, appealing to the parties to start a “sincere dialogue”.

Pope Leo leaves on Monday (April 13) for a visit to four countries in Africa, in an ambitious tour to urge global leaders to address the needs of the continent where more than a fifth of the world's Catholics live on his first major overseas trip of 2026.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: VATICAN CITY (APRIL 12, 2026) (VATICAN MEDIA - Access all)

1. POPE LEO APPEARING AT WINDOW OF APOSTOLIC PALACE

2. CROWD IN ST PETER'S SQUARE WELCOMING POPE

3. POPE GREETING CROWD AND WISHING HAPPY EASTER

4. CROWD IN SQUARE CHEERING POPE

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

“I am also closer than ever to the beloved Lebanese people during these days of sorrow, fear and invincible hope in God. The principle of humanity, inscribed in the conscience of every person and recognised in international law, entails a moral obligation to protect the civilian population from the atrocious effects of war. I appeal to the parties involved in the conflict to cease fire and urgently seek a peaceful solution.”

6. PEOPLE IN SQUARE

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

“Today, many Eastern Churches celebrate Easter according to the Julian calendar. To all those communities I extend my warmest wishes for peace in communion of faith in the Risen Lord. I accompany these wishes with more intense prayer for all those suffering because of the war, especially for the dear people of Ukraine. May the light of Christ bring comfort to afflicted hearts and strengthen the hope for peace. May the attention of the international community not waver in the face of the tragedy of this war.”

8. PEOPLE IN SQUARE HOLDING UKRAINIAN FLAGS

9. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

“Next Wednesday marks three years since the start of the bloody conflict in Sudan. How much are the Sudanese people suffering as innocent victims of this inhuman tragedy? I renew my heartfelt appeal to the warring parties to let the weapons fall silent and, without preconditions, begin a sincere dialogue aimed at bringing this fratricidal war to an end as soon as possible.”

10. PEOPLE IN SQUARE

11. NUNS IN SQUARE HOLDING POLISH AND SPANISH FLAGS

12. POPE LEO WISHING A HAPPY SUNDAY TO EVERYONE AND LEAVING (Crowd shouting: Long live the Pope, have a good trip!)