The following are remarks made by Pope Francis at Mass today:
Dear brothers and sisters, good day!
The course of the war in Ukraine has become so serious, devastating and threatening that it is a cause of great concern. That is why today I would like to dedicate my entire reflection before the Angelus to this subject. Indeed, this terrible and inconceivable wound to humanity, instead of healing, continues to bleed and threatens to spread.
I am deeply saddened by the rivers of blood and tears that have been shed in recent months. I am saddened by the thousands of victims, especially children, and the numerous destructions that have left many people and families homeless and threatened vast areas with cold and hunger. Certain actions can never be justified! It is unfortunate that the world gets to know the geography of Ukraine through names like Bukha, Irpin, Mariupol, Izium, Zaporizhzhya and other places that have become places of indescribable suffering and fear. And what about the fact that mankind again faces a nuclear threat? This is absurd.
What more has to happen? How much more blood must flow for us to understand that war is never a solution, but only destruction? In the name of God and in the name of the feeling of humanity that resides in every heart, I renew my call for an immediate ceasefire. We should put the weapons to rest and seek the conditions for negotiations that will lead to solutions that are not imposed by force, but are consensual, just and stable. And they will be, if they are based on respect for the inviolable value of human life, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each country, and the rights of minorities and legitimate concerns.
I deeply regret the serious situation that has arisen in recent days, with further actions that contradict the principles of international law. It increases the risk of nuclear escalation to the point of fearing uncontrollable and catastrophic consequences worldwide.
My appeal is addressed first and foremost to the President of the Russian Federation, asking him to put an end to this spiral of violence and death, also for the sake of his people. On the other hand, deeply saddened by the immense suffering of the Ukrainian people as a result of the aggression they have endured, I appeal equally confidently to the President of Ukraine to be open to serious proposals for peace. I appeal to all actors of international life and political leaders of nations to do everything in their power to end the ongoing war without being drawn into dangerous escalations, and to encourage and support initiatives for dialogue. Please let the younger generations breathe the healthy air of peace, not the polluted air of war, which is madness!
After seven months of hostilities, all diplomatic means should be used, even those that may not have been used so far, to put an end to this terrible tragedy. War is in itself a mistake and a horror!
We trust in the mercy of God, which can change hearts, and in the maternal intercession of the Queen of Peace, as we raise our prayers to Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii, spiritually united with the faithful gathered in her shrine and in so many parts of the world.