Pope Francis has again urged a ceasefire, negotiations, and humanitarian corridors in Ukraine.
Ukraine: “war,” not “military operation.”
In his most detailed statement to date on the Russian attack on the neighboring country, he stressed this Sunday that the arms race could not be called a “military operation” but only a “war.” In doing so, the pope contradicted the official Russian reading of events.
“War is madness.”
At his Angelus prayer in Rome with thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square, Francis announced that two cardinals of the Curia would travel to Ukraine on his behalf. They are papal almoner Konrad Krajewski, a Pole, and Canadian Michael Czerny. The Jesuit is the Vatican official in charge of peace and development. Francis said he is close to Ukraine, calling the war “madness” for the second time.
Once again, the pope reiterated that the Holy See is ready to do everything in its power to help bring an end to the war. He also expressly thanked all the journalists who reported on the events – often at the risk of their lives.
“Dear brothers and sisters! Streams of blood and tears are flowing in Ukraine. It is not just a military operation but a war that brings death, destruction, and misery. The number of victims is increasing, as is the number of people fleeing, especially mothers and children. The need for humanitarian aid in this tormented country is growing dramatically by the hour.
I appeal from the bottom of my heart to truly secure the humanitarian corridors and ensure and facilitate the access of aid to the besieged areas to provide vital assistance to our brothers and sisters who are tormented by bombs and fear.
I thank all those who welcome refugees. I ask above all that armed attacks cease and that negotiation and common sense prevail. And a return to respect for international law! And I also want to thank the journalists who put their lives on the line to provide information: Thank you, brothers and sisters, for your service! A service that allows us to witness firsthand the tragedy of this population and judge the cruelty of war. Thank you, brothers and sisters.
The Holy See is ready to do everything to put itself at the service of this peace. These days two cardinals have gone to Ukraine to serve and help the people: Cardinal Krajewski, the almoner in charge of administering the needy, and Cardinal Czerny, prefect [ad interim] of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development. The presence of the two cardinals there means not only the presence of the Pope but the presence of all Christians who want to come closer and say: War is madness! Please, stop! Look at this cruelty!”
- vaticannews.va/picture: screenshot – romereports.com
This post has already been read 575 times!
