Four years into Ukraine war, Pope renews peace plea

After the Angelus prayer at St Peter’s Square on February 22, Pope Leo said, “Let the weapons fall silent, let the bombings cease, let an immediate ceasefire be reached and let dialogue be strengthened to pave the way toward peace”.

The Pope said his heart went out to the people living through suffering and devastation. This is a war that is “unfolding before the eyes of the whole world”, he said.

“So many victims, so many lives and families shattered, such immense destruction, such unspeakable suffering!”

“Every war is truly a wound inflicted upon the entire human family; it leaves in its wake death, devastation and a trail of pain that marks generations. Peace cannot be postponed. It is an urgent necessity that must find a home in our hearts and be translated into responsible decisions.”

The Pope strongly encouraged everyone to “join in prayer for the embattled people of Ukraine and for all those who suffer due to this war and every conflict in the world, that the long-awaited gift of peace may shine upon our days”.

Since the war started in 2022, Pope Francis and Pope Leo have repeatedly called for peace. Shortly after he was elected last year, Pope Leo described the war as “senseless”, and emphasised the urgency of reaching “an authentic, just, and lasting peace as soon as possible”.

FULL STORY

Pope Leo: Peace is urgently needed, requiring responsible decisions (By Antonella Palermo/Vatican News)

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