During the Angelus in St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV once again made a strong appeal for peace, encouraging the faithful to pray for those who are suffering and to work to end the conflict. The Pontiff dedicated a special thought to Ukraine, which has been the victim of intense Russian bombardment of energy infrastructure in recent days, resulting in the loss of electricity, water, and heating for over a million individuals in the dead of winter. "I am deeply troubled by the events that are unfolding and offer my prayers for those who are suffering", the Pope declared, condemning the severe repercussions of hostilities on civilians and the potential for the conflict to escalate, thereby obstructing the attainment of a "just and lasting" peace. As a result, he has issued a call to intensify efforts to end the war, not just in Ukraine, but in all conflict zones. The children and young people of Catholic Action in Rome, who were in the square with their "Caravan of Peace", received a special message from Pope Leo XIV. He urged them to be "peacemakers" in their daily lives, at school, and in sports, reminding them that "evil is only defeated by good". The Pope also prayed for Ukraine, the Middle East, and all the peoples involved in conflicts that do not respond to the interests of the people. In his address, the Pope also recalled World Leprosy Day, expressing his closeness to those who suffer and those who care for the most vulnerable. He also stressed the importance of the Sunday of the Word of God and the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which culminates with Vespers at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. These references once again emphasized human dignity, fraternity, and peace.