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.
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