Pope issues a strong plea for an end to attacks on civilians
A destroyed school in Ukraine. Photo: hrw.org
On January 5, Pope Francis addressed pilgrims with a plea for continued prayers for peace, calling particular attention to Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Myanmar, and Sudan, according to Vatican News.
The pontiff urged the international community to act “with firmness to ensure that humanitarian law is respected” during conflicts. He condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure.
“No more striking civilians! No more striking schools or hospitals! No more striking workplaces!” he declared.
Pope Francis concluded his remarks with a reminder that war never brings victory.
“Let us not forget,” he said, “that war is always a defeat, always!”
As previously reported by the UOJ, the head of the UGCC believes that a unified structure of the UGCC and OCU will be the result of the unifying efforts of Rome and the Phanar.
Read also
"Parishioners" brought to Lavra by buses on Epifaniy's name day, media
People from different regions were brought in an organized manner to the "service" of the head of the OCU at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
Yermak consults fortune teller before important appointments, prosecutor says
Private correspondence with a fortune teller was found with the former head of the President's Office, in which he coordinated personnel decisions.
SBU searches home of Metropolitan Longin’s daughter
Law enforcement officers detained the hierarch's son-in-law, who has many children, and refused to allow a lawyer to participate in investigative actions at the family's private home.
Vienna hosts regional congress of Ukrainian Orthodox youth
Youth from seven European countries discussed the spiritual foundations of democracy and prayed for peace in Ukraine before a particle of the Life-Giving Cross.
Persecuted UOC community in Zadubrivka celebrates patronal feast
The faithful celebrated the Liturgy in a house church and held a water-blessing service at the site where a new church in honor of Venerable Amphilochius of Pochaiv is being built.
Thousands of faithful gather at Pochaiv Lavra for feast of St Amphilochius
The pilgrimage to the relics of Venerable Amphilochius of Pochaiv on his feast day is a long-standing tradition of the UOC.