Ukraine: Pope visits Russian Embassy to express concern

Pope Francis - Image ICN/VIS

Source: Vatican News

Pope Francis made an unexpected visit to the Russian Embassy on the Via della Conciliazione in Rome around midday on Friday. A day earlier, Cardinal Pietro Parolin appealed for greater space for negotiations.

The Holy Father expressed his concern about the war in Ukraine when he went to the Russian Embassy to the Holy See, headed by Ambassador Alexander Avdeev. He arrived in a white car and remained in the building for more than half an hour, the director of the Vatican Press Office, Matteo Bruni confirmed.

Pope Francis is closely following the situation in Ukraine, since Russian forces entered the country on Thursday night.

Many people have already been killed and injured.

At the General Audience on Wednesday, before the Russian invasion began, Pope Francis expressed the "great sorrow in his heart" over the worsening situation in the country.

He appealed " to those with political responsibility to examine their consciences seriously before God, who is the God of peace and not of war." And he called on believers and non-believers alike to unite in a joint supplication for peace next 2 March, Ash Wednesday, by praying and fasting.

"Jesus taught us that the diabolical senselessness of violence is answered with God's weapons, with prayer and fasting," the Pontiff said. "I invite everyone to make next 2 March, Ash Wednesday, a Day of Fasting for Peace. I encourage believers in a special way to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day. May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war."
Yesterday, however, "in the darkest hour" for Ukraine, the Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, released a statement following the start of Russian "military operations" in Ukrainian territory. Recalling the Pope's urgent appeal, the cardinal noted that "the tragic scenarios that everyone feared are unfortunately becoming reality," but insisted, "there is still time for goodwill, there is still room for negotiation, there is still a place for the exercise of a wisdom that can prevent the predominance of partisan interests, safeguard the legitimate aspirations of everyone, and spare the world from the folly and horrors of war."

Cardinal Parolin concluded his statement, saying, "As believers, we do not lose hope for a glimmer of conscience on the part of those who hold in their hands the fortunes of the world. And we continue to pray and fast - as we shall do this coming Ash Wednesday - for peace in Ukraine and in the entire world."