Pope Francis: The war in Ukraine is a shameful tragedy for all humanity

Pope Francis at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican. November 20, 2024. Photo: Vatican Media

At the conclusion of the General Audience at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican on November 20, Pope Francis reminded the audience that November 19 marked 1,000 days since the invasion of Ukraine. As reported by Vatican News, the Pontiff described this tragic milestone as "a shameful tragedy for all humanity."

"Yesterday marked 1,000 days since the invasion of Ukraine – a tragic date darkened by suffering and destruction, and at the same time, a shameful tragedy for all humanity," he said.

At the same time, the head of the Roman Catholic Church stressed, "This must not prevent us from supporting the tormented Ukrainian people, praying for peace, and working to ensure that dialogue replaces weapons, and encounters replace confrontation."

In addition, Pope Francis shared with the pilgrims a letter he had received the day before from a Ukrainian student.

The Vatican media also report that among those present at the audience was the wife of Ukrainian President Olena Zelenska, whom the Pope received in a private meeting earlier that day.

As previously reported by the UOJ, Pope Francis called again for peace in Ukraine.

Read also

Priests and laity of Rivne Eparchy donate blood for children with cancer

In Rivne, the UOC clergy and laity have donated blood for children undergoing treatment for cancer.

Kyiv seminary students meet with People’s Artist Larisa Kadochnikova

Students of Kyiv’s theological schools spoke with the legend of Ukrainian cinema, who shared her memories of filming "Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors".

Bancheny Monastery reports provocation

The UOC monastery in Bancheny has reported a provocation by unidentified individuals.

Romanian Church to hold joint prayer for peace in Ukraine

On the fourth anniversary of the beginning of the war in Ukraine, special prayers for an end to the hostility will be offered in all churches of the Romanian Patriarchate, both in the country and abroad.

Armenian bishops call on authorities to stop Church persecution

At a meeting in Austria, hierarchs of the Armenian Apostolic Church reaffirmed their faithfulness to Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians and called on the authorities to stop the persecution of the clergy.

Italian media: Ukrainian authorities persecute the country’s largest confession

The Italian outlet L’Identità reported on mass searches, the arrests of clergy, and the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which it describes as the largest Church in Ukraine.