Vatican City, 4 February 2015 (VIS) –
At the end of today's catechesis the Pope launched an appeal for an
end to the violence among the “beloved Ukrainian people”.
“Unfortunately, the situation is worsening”, he said, “and
there is an escalation of hostilities between the parties. Let us
pray firstly for the victims, many of whom are civilians, and their
families, and let us ask the Lord for an end, as soon as possible, to
this horrible fratricidal violence. I renew my heartfelt appeal that
every effort be made – also at an international level – to resume
dialogue, the only way possible to restore peace and harmony to this
ravaged land”.
“Brothers and sisters”, he
continued, “when I hear the words 'victory' or 'defeat', I feel
great suffering, a great sadness in my heart. These are not the right
words: the only right word is 'peace'. This is the only right word. I
think of you, Ukrainian brothers and sisters. … Think, this is a
war between Christians! You have all had the same baptism! You are
fighting among yourselves, with other Christians. Think of this
scandal. And let us all pray, so that our prayer might be our protest
before God in this time of war”.
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