Pope Leo XIV appeals for safe passage of Black Sea grain

Pope Leo XIV appealed to the parties in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to allow the safe transport of grain through the Black Sea. During the Angelus on October 11, the pope said the war in Ukraine causes suffering far beyond its borders, particularly in poor countries that depend on grain imports. He stated that the daily bread of millions of people should not be held hostage by the war.

The appeal follows a period of significant export declines. Estimates show that between July and September 2026, grain exports from the Black Sea region were 6.5 million tons lower than during the same period the previous year.