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
Historian calls for burial of Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves in the Pantheon of Heroes
Saints, the founders of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, have been proposed for recognition as "creators of identity" within a memorial to outstanding figures.
Budanov speaks of draft law on Pantheon of Heroes
The head of the Presidential Office presented two approaches to determining historical figures for burial in the capital.
UOC priest concelebrates with Patriarch of Georgia in Tbilisi
In two Georgian churches, a cleric was informed that clergy of the OCU are prohibited from participating in services of the Georgian Church.
Pat. Bartholomew calls on four Churches to accept Crete Council's decisions
On the tenth anniversary of the Council of Crete, the Primate of the Constantinople Church addressed the four absent Local Churches.
Chernivtsi Holy Spirit Cathedral marks patronal feast
On the Day of the Holy Spirit, Metropolitan Meletiy led the festal Liturgy at Chernivtsi’s cathedral, concelebrated by hierarchs and clergy.
Kyiv Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh damaged in Russian strike
A Russian strike damaged the Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh in Kyiv's Solomianskyi District, shattering windows in the church and parish buildings. No injuries were reported.