Pope Francis, on Sunday, condemned Russia’s use of the term “special military operation” to describe its invasion of Ukraine, saying the country is besieged by conflict and called for an immediate cease-fire. ayokinews.com reports
“In Ukraine, rivers of blood and tears are flowing. This is not just a military operation but a war which sows death, destruction and misery,” the Pope said in his weekly address to crowds gathered at St. Peter’s Square.
The pope’s comment happened to be his most emphatic since the beginning of the invasion, although he did not specifically condemn Russia.
Instead, he reiterated his call for peace, humanitarian corridors, and a return to the negotiating table.
“In that martyred country the need for humanitarian assistance is growing by the hour,” the pope said, speaking from a window overlooking the square. “War is madness, please stop.”
The day Russia kick started the invasion of Ukraine, Pope Francis went straight to the Russian embassy to relay his concerns on the escalating events, breaking with diplomatic protocol for the first time.
Russia claims its military campaign is not aimed at occupying land, but rather at destroying Ukraine’s military capabilities and apprehending what it considers to be the country’s dangerous nationalist authorities.
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For the pope’s Sunday address, a large crowd gathered in front of St. Peter’s Basilica, some clutching multi-colored peace flags as well as the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine.
“The Holy See is willing to do everything to put itself at the service of peace,” the pope said, adding that two Roman Catholic cardinals; Konrad Krajewski of Poland and Michael Czerny of Canada, had traveled to Ukraine to assist people in need.
Ukraine’s ambassador to the Vatican, Andriy Yurash, told Reuters that Francis’ declaration that the conflict is a war, made him “very, very happy.”
“Even if the pope did not say the word ‘Russia’, everyone in the world knows who the aggressor that invaded us is and who started this unprovoked war,” Andriy said.
The Pope also made a point of thanking media reporters who risked their lives to cover the war and report on the brutality and misery experienced by Ukrainians.
