Pope mentions Ukraine again: MFA responds

During a Sunday sermon in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV recalled the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident that occurred 40 years ago. He called on the world to use atomic energy exclusively for peaceful purposes and to pray for those still suffering from the consequences of the nuclear disaster.

This was reported by Vatican News.

Pope Leo XIV said that the Chornobyl catastrophe is «etched in the consciousness of humanity» and «remains a warning about the risks inherent in the use of increasingly powerful technologies.»

«I hope that at all levels of decision-making, prudence and responsibility will always prevail, so that every use of atomic energy is in the service of life and peace,» he said.

Welcoming various groups of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, the Pontiff gave a special greeting to the children’s dance group «Malva Dance Family» from the city of Brovary, Kyiv region. The young dancers arrived in Rome to participate in the «World of Dance» competition and brought Leo XIV a special gift, which was delivered via the Embassy of Ukraine to the Holy See.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine expressed gratitude to Pope Leo XIV for his strong words on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster.

«His Holiness’s reminder that nuclear energy must serve life and peace is extremely relevant today. We share this call for responsibility at all levels. The lessons of Chornobyl must define all decisions,» stated the message from Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha.

The Ukrainian MFA stressed that at a time when nuclear risks are rising again, «the Pope’s call is a clear moral compass for the protection of people and our common future.»