Pope appeals to Putin to stop war and Zelensky to be open to serious peace offers
Pope Francis expresses concern over the nuclear threat and military
escalation in the war in Ukraine, dedicating his entire Angelus address
to the situation and issuing a powerful appeal for an immediate
ceasefire. He deplores the annexations, calls for respect for the
territorial integrity of every country and the rights of minorities. He
is saddened by the thousands of victims, especially children.
Dear brothers and sisters, buongiorno!
The course of the war in Ukraine has become so serious, devastating
and threatening, as to cause great concern. Therefore, today I would
like to devote the entire reflection before the Angelus to this.
Indeed, this terrible and inconceivable wound to humanity, instead of
healing, continues to shed even more blood, risking to spread further.
I am saddened by the rivers of blood and tears spilled in these
months. I am saddened by the thousands of victims, especially children,
and the destruction which has left many people and families homeless and
threaten vast territories with cold and hunger. Certain actions can
never be justified, never! It is disturbing that the world is learning
the geography of Ukraine through names such as Bucha, Irpin, Mariupol,
Izium, Zaparizhzhia and other areas, which have become places of
indescribable suffering and fear. And what about the fact that humanity
is once again faced with the atomic threat? It is absurd.
What is to happen next? How much blood must still flow for us to realize
that war is never a solution, only destruction? In the name of God and
in the name of the sense of humanity that dwells in every heart, I renew
my call for an immediate ceasefire. Let there be a halt to arms, and
let us seek the conditions for negotiations that will lead to solutions
that are not imposed by force, but consensual, just and stable. And they
will be so if they are based on respect for the sacrosanct value of
human life, as well as the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each
country, and the rights of minorities and legitimate concerns.
I deeply deplore the grave situation that has arisen in recent days,
with further actions contrary to the principles of international law. It
increases the risk of nuclear escalation, giving rise to fears of
uncontrollable and catastrophic consequences worldwide.
My appeal is addressed first and foremost to the President of the
Russian Federation, imploring him to stop this spiral of violence and
death, also for the sake of his own people. On the other hand, saddened
at the immense suffering of the Ukrainian people as a result of the
aggression they have suffered, I address an equally confident appeal to
the President of Ukraine to be open to serious proposals for peace. I
urge all the protagonists of international life and the political
leaders of nations to do everything possible to bring an end to the war,
without allowing themselves to be drawn into dangerous escalations, and
to promote and support initiatives for dialogue. Please let the younger
generations breathe the salutary air of peace, not the polluted air of
war, which is madness!
After seven months of hostilities, let us use all diplomatic means,
even those that may not have been used so far, to bring an end to this
terrible tragedy. War in itself is an error and a horror!
Let us trust in the mercy of God, who can change hearts, and in the
maternal intercession of the Queen of Peace, as we raise our
Supplication to Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompei, spiritually united
with the faithful gathered at her Shrine and in so many parts of the
world.
