In his most dramatic appeal since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the Pope asked directly and “in the name of God” a truce for its main protagonists, the presidents of Russia and the invaded country.
Pope Francis affirmed that “the development of the war in Ukraine it has become so serious, devastating and threatening that it arouses great concern ”around the world.
For the first time since an appeal launched in 2013 for the war in Syria, the Pope told the crowd following the customary midday Angelus from the balcony on the third floor of the Apostolic Palace that he had spoken. in an exceptional way of the theme before the Marian prayer.
is first time that the pontiff is addressing directly to the leaders of Russia and Ukraine. I pray Putin to stop, also for the love of his people, this spiral of violence and death.
The Pope did not name them by name and surname, but addressed each one giving them the title of “president”.
He invited the Ukrainian Zelensky “to be open to serious peace proposals” and expressed “sadness for the suffering of the Ukrainian population due to the aggression suffered”.
The Pope also condemned the Russian annexation of four Ukrainian provinces: Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherzon. “I deeply regret the situation that has arisen in recent days with consequent actions contrary to the principles of international law, which increase the risk of a nuclear escalation, to the point of fear of uncontrollable and catastrophic consequences at a global level”.
With solemn tone, as never in his nearly ten years of pontificatesaid the Argentine Pope, “in the name of God and in the name of the sense of humanity that resides in every heart, I renew my appeal so that a ceasefire can be reached immediately”.
Furthermore, he asked: “Silence the weapons and verify the conditions for starting negotiations capable of leading to solutions not imposed by force but agreed, equitable, stable”.
“Such will be if they are founded on respect for the sacrosanct value of human life, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each country, as well as the rights of minorities and legitimate concerns”, he added.
And he continued: “We must act quickly because this terrible and inconceivable wound of humanity, instead of healing, continues to bleed more and more and risks getting longer”.
Francis wondered: “How much blood still has to be shed to understand that war is never a solution but only destruction?”
the pope appeared firm and excited as he spoke to the muted crowd listening downstairs in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.
“The rivers of blood and tears of these months afflict me. The thousands of victims hurt me, especially among children, and so much destruction that left many people and families homeless, threatening vast territories with cold and hunger ”.
“Certain actions cannot be justified, ever!” she added raising her voice.
“It is distressing that the world is learning the geography of Ukraine through the names that have become places of unspeakable suffering and fear. The violence does not stop, please let the young generations breathe the holy air of peace ”, she continued.
The Pope thus concluded. “After seven months of hostility, all diplomatic tools are used, including those not used to put an end to this tragedy. War is a mistake, a horror! ” 09:20
Source: Clarin
