Pope marks anniversary of Russia's 'absurd, cruel' war on Ukraine

February 22, 2023 at 3:13 p.m.
Pope marks anniversary of Russia's 'absurd, cruel' war on Ukraine
Pope marks anniversary of Russia's 'absurd, cruel' war on Ukraine

By Cindy Wooden • Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY – A year after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Pope Francis asked, "Can the Lord forgive so many crimes and so much violence? He is the God of peace."

At the end of his weekly general audience Feb. 22 and with a group of Ukrainian parliamentarians seated in the front row, the Pope noted that Feb. 24 would mark "one year since the invasion of Ukraine, a year since this absurd and cruel war – a sad anniversary."

"The record of deaths, injuries, refugees and displaced people, destruction and economic and social damage speaks for itself," he said.

At every general audience and public recitation of the Angelus prayer for the past year, Pope Francis has asked people to join him in praying for peace and in offering concrete assistance to the millions of Ukrainians who have sought safety abroad and for the millions of others displaced within Ukraine or struggling to survive because of the fighting.

But, with the anniversary of Russia's invasion just two days away, the Pope's appeal Feb. 22 was even more intense.

Promising that Catholics continue to be close to the "martyred Ukrainian people who continue to suffer," the Pope asked, "Has everything possible been done to stop the war?"

"I appeal to all those who have authority over nations to commit themselves concretely to ending the conflict, to reaching a cease-fire and to starting peace negotiations," the Pope said. "That which is built on ruins will never be a true victory."


Related Stories

VATICAN CITY – A year after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Pope Francis asked, "Can the Lord forgive so many crimes and so much violence? He is the God of peace."

At the end of his weekly general audience Feb. 22 and with a group of Ukrainian parliamentarians seated in the front row, the Pope noted that Feb. 24 would mark "one year since the invasion of Ukraine, a year since this absurd and cruel war – a sad anniversary."

"The record of deaths, injuries, refugees and displaced people, destruction and economic and social damage speaks for itself," he said.

At every general audience and public recitation of the Angelus prayer for the past year, Pope Francis has asked people to join him in praying for peace and in offering concrete assistance to the millions of Ukrainians who have sought safety abroad and for the millions of others displaced within Ukraine or struggling to survive because of the fighting.

But, with the anniversary of Russia's invasion just two days away, the Pope's appeal Feb. 22 was even more intense.

Promising that Catholics continue to be close to the "martyred Ukrainian people who continue to suffer," the Pope asked, "Has everything possible been done to stop the war?"

"I appeal to all those who have authority over nations to commit themselves concretely to ending the conflict, to reaching a cease-fire and to starting peace negotiations," the Pope said. "That which is built on ruins will never be a true victory."

Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092

e-Edition


e-edition

Sign up


for our email newsletters

Weekly Top Stories

Sign up to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every Sunday

Daily Updates & Breaking News Alerts

Sign up to get our daily updates and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox daily

Latest Stories


SJV football visits Notre Dame for first-round Non-Public B playoff game
When Notre Dame, Lawrenceville, hosts St. John Vianney, Holmdel, in a NJSIAA ...

Icon of Blessed Carlo inspired by Holy Spirit, says Hamilton parishioner
In 1999, Kristina Sadley, parishioner of St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square ...

Talitha Kum trains nuns, youth against human trafficking and forced marriage in Bangladesh
Talitha Kum Bangladesh is empowering religious sisters and youth communities in the South Asian country to fight against human trafficking...

Be on the lookout for hope; keep moving forward in faith, pope writes
Christians should make a practice each night of identifying signs of hope, even small ones, that came their way during the day...

Top Vatican official hopes Trump will promote peace, national unity
The Vatican secretary of state said his prayer for Donald J. Trump is that God would grant him wisdom "because that is the main virtue of those who govern...


The Evangelist, 40 North Main Ave., Albany, NY, 12203-1422 | PHONE: 518-453-6688| FAX: 518-453-8448
© 2024 Trenton Monitor, All Rights Reserved.