Pope Francis on Sunday appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin for a ceasefire and urged him to “stop this spiral of violence and death” in Ukraine, warning of the “uncontrollable” consequences of a nuclear attack amid escalating tensions. condemned the “ridiculous” risk. beyond war.
Francis issued his strongest plea to date over the dispute seven months ago, denouncing it as “error and horror”.
It was the first time he publicly mentioned Putin’s role in the war. The pope also called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to “accept” serious peace proposals.
Francis told the public gathered in St. Peter’s Square that in his remarks at noon on Sunday he would abandon his usual religious themes to focus his thoughts on Ukraine.
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“The way the war is going on in Ukraine is very serious, devastating and threatening and causes great concern,” Francis said.
“Indeed, this unimaginable and terrifying wound for humanity, instead of shrinking, is likely to bleed and spread,” he said.
“I strongly regret the grave situation that has been caused in the past few days by further actions contrary to the principles of international law,” he said, citing Putin’s illegal annexation of large parts of eastern Ukraine. . “In fact, it has increased the risk of nuclear escalation to the point of fear of uncontrollable and catastrophic consequences on a global level.”
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The Pope said: “Rivers of blood and tears have been spilling over the last few months and have been plaguing me. My heart goes out to the thousands of victims, especially children. Many people and families have also been left homeless and have lost their homes. “I am heartbroken by the sheer amount of destruction we are posing a vast threat to.” It’s a cold and hungry area,” he said.
Pope Francis said “certain actions can never, never be justified”, but Putin, trying to justify launching an invasion, said the country needed to be defended against ‘Nazi’ elements in Ukraine. rice field.
“It pains me that the world has learned the geography of Ukraine from names like Bucha, Irpin, Mariupol, Izium, Zaporizhia, and has become a place of unspeakable suffering and horror,” said Francis. I was.
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“And what to say about the fact that humanity is once again facing a nuclear threat? That’s ridiculous.
“My appeal is directed above all to the President of the Russian Federation and, out of love for the Russian people, I plead with you to stop this spiral of violence and death,” Francis said. Seeing the suffering of the Ukrainian people after the aggression, I will make an equally credible appeal to the Ukrainian president to accept his serious proposals for peace.”
Popes rarely identify leaders in their frequent calls to end violent conflicts. In doing so, Francis showed his extreme concern for the worsening situation.
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“May the arms cease and conditions be sought to initiate negotiations that will lead to an agreed solution, just and stable, not imposed by force,” Francis said. About human life, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, the rights and legitimate concerns of minorities. ”
Invoking the name of God and the “sense of humanity that resides in every heart”, he renewed his many pleas for an immediate ceasefire.
Without elaborating, Francis also called for “recourse to all diplomatic means, including those that may have been previously untapped, to end this unfathomable tragedy.”
“War itself is a mistake and a horror,” lamented the Pope.
During the war, Francis has condemned reliance on weapons. Recently, however, he has emphasized Ukraine’s right to defend itself against aggression. .