Pope declares Ukrainians and Russians are brothers

Pope Francis. Photo: Apostrophe

During the annual prayer for peace, Pope Francis called for an end to the war and mutual understanding between the Ukrainian and Russian peoples. This was reported by Vatican News, quoting the pontiff's words.

Offering prayers to the Holy Mother of God for "the long-awaited peace for the Ukrainian people and the Russian people,” he said:

"They are brothers, cousins. Let them come to an understanding! War is always a defeat. Peace to the whole world!"

As previously reported by the UOJ, the Pope called for a ceasefire on all fronts by Christmas.

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.