At the end of the Angelus prayer, the Pope reiterated his call for an end to the war in Ukraine by inviting the international community to work towards an end to this conflict which has lasted for almost three years. This war, like all others, is “an offense to God and humanity.”
Françoise Niamien – Vatican City
«A horror, a defeat, an offense to God and humanity», these are the words used by Pope Francis to describe the wars which tear apart the human family. The one underway for almost three years in Ukraine has caused “a terrible succession of deaths, injuries, violence, destruction». “Children, women, the elderly, the weak are the first victims” once again deplored Francis on Sunday December 1 after the Angelus prayer, Saint-Pierre Square.
At least four people were killed and 21 injured on Saturday (November 30) in a Russian missile strike near Dnipro, in east-central Ukraine, authorities said.
Worry and pain
The Sovereign Pontiff expressed his concern and his pain in the face of this conflict which continues “to bloody tormented Ukraine». «Winter is upon us and it risks worsening the living conditions of millions of displaced people. These months will be very difficult for them. The combination of war and cold is tragic» lamented the Pope again, as the country prepares to face its third winter under bombs.
For dialogue and reconciliation
Faced with such a situation, Francis reiterated his call to “the entire community and all men and women of good will, so that they do everything possible to stop this war and ensure dialogue, fraternity and reconciliation prevail.». «Renewed commitment is needed at all levels» he insisted.
«And as we prepare for Christmas, when we await the birth of the King of Peace, let us give these people concrete hope. The search for peace is not the responsibility of a few, but of all. If habituation and indifference to the horrors of war prevail, the entire human family is defeated.» he warned.
