Pope Francis today called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and urged Russian president Vladimir Putin to “stop this spiral of violence and death”.
Addressing crowds of pilgrims in Rome, in the weekly Angelus, he spoke of his “great concern” at the serious, devastating and threatening course of the war in Ukraine.
“This terrible and inconceivable wound to humanity, instead of healing, continues to shed even more blood, risking to spread further,” he said.
“I am saddened by the rivers of blood and tears spilled in these months. I am saddened by the thousands of victims, especially children, and the destruction which has left many people and families homeless and threaten vast territories with cold and hunger.
“Certain actions can never be justified, never.”
He said it was disturbing that the world is learning the geography of Ukraine through names such as Bucha, Irpin, Mariupol, Izium, Zaparizhzhia and other areas that have become places of indescribable suffering and fear.
“And what about the fact that humanity is once again faced with the atomic threat? It is absurd.”
He continued: “How much blood must still flow for us to realise that war is never a solution, only destruction? In the name of God and in the name of the sense of humanity that dwells in every heart, I renew my call for an immediate ceasefire.
“Let there be a halt to arms, and let us seek the conditions for negotiations that will lead to solutions that are not imposed by force, but consensual, just and stable. And they will be so if they are based on respect for the sacrosanct value of human life, as well as the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each country, and the rights of minorities and legitimate concerns.”
He said he deeply deplored the “grave situation” that has arisen in recent days, with further actions contrary to the principles of international law. “It increases the risk of nuclear escalation, giving rise to fears of uncontrollable and catastrophic consequences worldwide.”
He was explicit that he was speaking “first and foremost” to Putin.
But he also urged Volodymyr Zelenskiy to be open to serious proposals for peace. “After seven months of hostilities, let us use all diplomatic means, even those that may not have been used so far, to bring an end to this terrible tragedy. War in itself is an error and a horror.”
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