Pope asked for courage for everyone to defend peace in Ukraine

Pope Francis today called for courage for everyone to defend peace in Ukraine and called on political leaders, without directly naming any, nor Russian President Vladimir Putin, to listen to the people who want an end to the conflict.

“I ask everyone to pray for peace and to have the courage to say that peace is possible. Let the political leaders listen, please, to the voice of people who want peace and not an escalation of the conflict,” said Jorge Bergoglio, following the prayer of Regina Coeli, who replaces the Angelus during the Paschal period.

Francis pointed out that this Sunday several Eastern, Catholic and Orthodox churches commemorate the Resurrection of Jesus and recalled that it is also two months since the beginning of the invasion of Moscow in Ukraine.

“Far from stopping, the war has intensified. It is sad that in these days, which are the holiest and most solemn for all Christians, the deadly noise of weapons is heard more than the bells announcing the Resurrection. And it's sad that weapons are taking the place of the word,” he lamented.

“I reiterate the call for an Easter truce, a minimal and tangible sign of a desire for peace,” he added.

The pope has refused to travel to the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, as he was shuffling as a sign against the war, nor will he meet with the Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kiril, who justified Russia's invasion of Ukraine and with whom the pontiff has a “very good relationship”.

He said this in an interview with the newspaper La Nación published on Friday, in which he said that he cannot “do anything that would jeopardize higher objectives, which are the end of the war, a truce or, at least, a humanitarian corridor.”

Earlier this Sunday the pope also delivered a homily at a mass for the second Sunday of Easter, which he was however unable to preside because of his knee problems, and remained seated next to St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

“Let us remember the forgiveness and peace we receive from Jesus. Let us put the memory of God's embrace and caresses before that of our mistakes and our falls. In this way we will feed joy”, said the pontiff in his homily.

ZelenSky's Order

The President of Ukraine, Volodymir Zelensky, called the international press to a conference in which Infobae participated and consulted on the role of Pope Francis in the conflict, criticized a few weeks ago for his refusal to directly condemn Russia. “I want Pope Francis to come to Kiev to unlock the humanitarian corridors in Mariupol,” he assured Infobae.

“That is exactly the request we have made to you. There are some signs, but we're waiting. We are waiting for him because he has a mission assigned by the Lord and many people trust him,” said the Ukrainian president.

According to Zelensky, every time Francis prays or talks about the dramatic situation of Ukrainians, he is expressing his support. “I am grateful for that,” he added.

“I wish the Pope could come to Kiev. We met in the past. I ask for your support in helping in the besieged Mariupol and for a lifesaving ceasefire,” he insisted on Infobae's question about whether he had spoken with Francis.

Zelensky did not reveal, however, whether he spoke with Francis since Russia began its offensive, but he did say that he knows him. “I think he should fight for every person,” he said.

(with information from EFE)

KEEP READING: