Pope calls for safe grain exports through the Black Sea

Pope Leo XIV called on the parties to the war between Ukraine and Russia to ensure the safe transport of grain through the Black Sea. He said disruptions to food exports from the region are having consequences far beyond its borders, particularly for the poorest countries that depend on grain imports.

“I make a heartfelt appeal to the parties to the conflict to allow for the safe transport of grain through the Black Sea. The daily bread of millions of people cannot be held hostage by the war,” the Pope wrote.

Grain exports from the Black Sea region in July–September 2026 were estimated to be around 6.5 mln tons lower than in the same period last year. The current shipping disruptions are affecting not only Ukrainian supplies but Russian exports as well.

The region remains critically important to the global food market, with around one-third of global wheat exports shipped through Russian and Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Disruptions to these routes are increasing logistics costs and creating additional risks for grain importers.

The Pope’s appeal came after a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea. As risks to navigation increase, the issue of creating safe routes for grain exports is receiving growing attention at the international level.

Tags: war, Ukraine, grain, grain export, Black Sea, shipping