Russian and Ukrainian read out messages for peace on Good Friday in Vatican

Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) at the Colosseum. Photo: vaticannews.va

One of the main Easter processions in Rome on Catholic Good Friday, April 7, involved two young men – from Ukraine and Russia, reports dw.com.

They read out messages to the world during the traditional Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) at the Colosseum.

A young man from Ukraine, in his speech, told how he had to flee to Italy after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine and cited the words of his grandmother, who comforted him in difficult moments, saying that "with the help of God, peace will return."

The Russian turned to Christ in his speech, asking for peace in the world and "that we may all be brothers and sisters".

According to the young man, he lost his grandfather, father and brother after they were all sent to Ukraine as part of Russia's mobilisation.

Read also

Shell hits UOC church in Kherson, rector’s wife injured

As a result of shelling, a side chapel was destroyed and the church dome was damaged at the Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos in Kherson. There are also injured.

OCU accuses UOC-KP members of “crimes against canonical order”

The leadership of the OCU has asserted its exclusive right to the Kyiv Patriarchate brand and threatened punishment against Nikodym Kobzar and his associates.

Moldovan bishop tells UN of pressure on the Church

Speaking at the UN, Archbishop Markell said the authorities are putting pressure on the Orthodox Church of Moldova and threatening the seizure of churches.

UOC clergy deliver aid to frontline monasteries and parishes

Clergy of the Kyiv Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church delivered aid to frontline monasteries and parishes that provide daily support to refugees and the needy.

Vinnytsia region bans religious processions and pilgrimages until December

Vinnytsia’s Defense Council has imposed strict restrictions on believers ahead of the Easter holidays.

Nicaraguan authorities release 1,200 prisoners for Holy Week

In Nicaragua, more than a thousand inmates were released from prison during Holy Week and sent home under a “family cohabitation” regime, with an appeal to begin a “new life.”