Pope Francis recalled today during his weekly general audience that yesterday marked 1,000 days since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He called this day a “tragic anniversary” and “a disgraceful disaster for humanity”, reports France Presse, quoted by BTA.
The audience was attended by the Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska, who was among the thousands of believers who gathered in St. Peter's Square. The first ladies of Armenia, Lithuania and Serbia were also there.
„Yesterday, a thousand days have passed since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine. This is a tragic anniversary because of the victims and the destruction it caused,”, the Pope said at the end of the audience. “At the same time, however, this is also a shameful disaster for all of humanity”, he added, addressing those present.
Pope Francis stressed that this should not make people hesitate to stay close to the Ukrainian people in suffering, pray for peace and work for weapons to give way to dialogue, and conflicts – of the negotiations.
The Holy Father then read a letter sent to him by a Ukrainian student, which spoke of the tragedy of the war and the suffering of the civilian population.
Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. the numerous appeals of Pope Francis for peace were not heard, notes France Press.