During the Angelus prayer, the Holy Father addressed Putin and Zelensky directly to demand an «immediate cease-fire”
ACN.- Pope Francis has made an appeal Sunday to Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the «spiral of violence and death» brought about by the war in Ukraine, where recent events have increased «the risk of nuclear escalation.»
The Pontiff made this request to Vladimir Putin in his words before praying the Sunday Angelus. He also asked the President of Ukraine, Volodimir Zelenski, «to be open to serious peace proposals».
Before the thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope called on the leaders of the international community «to do everything in their power to put an end to the ongoing war, without allowing themselves to be drawn into dangerous escalations.»
«Promote and support dialogue initiatives. Please let the younger generations breathe the healthy air of peace, not the polluted air of war, which is madness!,» he said.
«I grieve for the thousands of victims.»
In his words, Francis expressed his sorrow for «the rivers of blood and tears shed in recent months», as well as for «the thousands of victims, especially children, and the numerous destructions, which have left many people and families homeless and threaten vast territories with cold and hunger».
«Certain actions can never be justified! Never!» he exclaimed.
Pope Francis said that «it is distressing that the world is learning the geography of Ukraine through names like Bucha, Irpin, Mariupol, Izium, Zaporiyia and other cities, which have become places of indescribable suffering and terror. And what to say about the fact that humanity is once again facing the atomic threat? It is absurd.»
«The course of the war in Ukraine has become so grave, devastating and threatening that it is a cause for great concern,» the Pontiff said, and asked «how much blood must still flow before we understand that war is never a solution, but only destruction?»
«In the name of God and in the name of the sense of humanity that dwells in every heart, I renew my appeal for an immediate cease-fire,» he added.
Pope Francis asked that «conditions be sought to initiate negotiations capable of leading to solutions not imposed by force, but consensual, just and stable.»
To this end, he said, these solutions must be based «on respect for the sacrosanct value of human life, as well as for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each country, as well as for the rights of minorities and their legitimate concerns».
In this regard, he deplored «the serious situation that has been created in recent days, with new actions contrary to the principles of international law. In fact, it increases the risk of a nuclear escalation, to the point of raising fears of uncontrollable and catastrophic consequences at the global level».
The Pope expressed his confidence «in the mercy of God, who can change hearts, and in the maternal intercession» of the Virgin Mary for an end to the war in Ukraine, which began more than seven months ago.