Pope makes urgent appeal for peace in Ukraine

Emergency food line. Image: CAFOD

Source: Vatican Media

On the fourth anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine, Pope Leo renewed his appeal for peace.

After the Angelus prayer with pilgrims in St Pete's Square on Sunday, the Holy Father said: "Let the weapons fall silent, let the bombings cease, let an immediate ceasefire be reached, and let dialogue be strengthened to pave the way toward peace."

Describing a war which is "unfolding before the eyes of the whole world," he said: "So many victims, so many lives and families shattered, such immense destruction, such unspeakable suffering! Every war is truly a wound inflicted upon the entire human family; it leaves in its wake death, devastation and a trail of pain that marks generations. Peace cannot be postponed. It is an urgent necessity that must find a home in our hearts and be translated into responsible decisions."

The Pope strongly encouraged everyone to "join in prayer for the embattled people of Ukraine and for all those who suffer due to this war and every conflict in the world, that the long-awaited gift of peace may shine upon our days."

Today's appeal, on the fourth anniversary of the start of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine, echoed the poignant pleas of Pope Francis for peace in the heart of Europe. Again and again he called for an end to the war and voiced his great concern for the marytred Ukrainian people. Immediately after his election Pope Leo called the war "senseless" and emphasized the urgency of reaching "an authentic, just, and lasting peace as soon as possible."

The release of all prisoners and the return of children to their families have been recurring themes in the Pope's prayers. Now, the intense cold of winter, which exacerbates the damage caused by the bombings, particularly concerns him.

"May the clamour of weapons cease, and may the parties involved, with the support and commitment of the international community, find the courage to engage in sincere, direct and respectful dialogue" he stated in his Christmas Urbi et Orbi message.

Continuing the solidarity shown by his predecessor for the Ukrainian population, Pope Leo has sent repeated humanitarian aid to Ukraine through the Papal Almoner, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski. He has spoken by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, received associations working closely with war victims, mothers and wives of Ukrainian soldiers at the front, children and young people deprived of opportunities. He has also met with beneficiaries of emergency refuge, and Ukrainian pilgrims, praising the faith of a land rich with "the testimony of many saints" and "the blood of many martyrs."

During an audience with Ukrainian President Zelensky last December, he reiterated the Holy See's willingness to host negotiations. Pope Leo has even contemplated a visit to Kyiv, though he acknowledged the necessity of prudent realism. In the face of the escalation of an increasingly hybrid conflict, with significant damage to civilians and infrastructure, upon returning from his first international trip, he emphasised the importance of European and Italian involvement. "Serious commitment to dialogue," he hoped for at the end of August, while, for the anniversary of Ukraine's national holiday, he expressed "with a heart wounded by violence" his condolences to the families of the fallen and to the displaced people.

In London a special interfaith prayer service will be held at the Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral on Tuesday, 24 February beginning at 11am. See: www.indcatholicnews.com/news/54324

To donate to CAFOD Emergency Ukraine Appeal see: www.cafod.org.uk/Ukraine