On Wednesday, Pope Francis, leader of the Roman Catholic Church, described Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a "shameful disaster for humanity" during a Vatican audience attended by Ukraine's First Lady, Olena Zelenska.
Marking 1,000 days since the conflict began in February 2022, Pope Francis reflected on the tragic toll the war has taken.
“Yesterday marked 1,000 days since the invasion of Ukraine. A tragic anniversary for the victims and the destruction it has caused,” he stated. “But at the same time, (it is) a shameful disaster for all humanity.”
The remarks were delivered to thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, where Zelenska was joined by the first ladies of Armenia, Lithuania, and Serbia.
Pope Francis expressed his solidarity with the "martyred Ukrainian people" and urged global efforts to shift from armed conflict to constructive dialogue. “Let us work so that weapons give way to dialogue,” he appealed.
The pontiff also read a poignant letter from a Ukrainian student, which highlighted the war's devastating impact on everyday lives.
Since Russia launched its full-scale attack on Ukraine, Pope Francis has consistently called for an end to the violence, advocating for peace and reconciliation. His latest address reinforces the Vatican's stance on promoting dialogue over warfare in resolving global conflicts.
Zelenska’s presence at the audience underscored the significance of the moment, as the world continues to witness the ongoing humanitarian and geopolitical consequences of the invasion.
No comments:
Post a Comment