The Church does not take her eyes off on the difficult situation in Ukraine. The danger of a possible invasion by Russia continues to raise tensions internationally. This situation has been provoked due to Russia’s demands to NATO and the United States that no former Soviet Republic will join the Western alliance.
Msgr. Dionisio Lachovicz, Bishop of Ukrainian Catholics in Italy, showed great concern with which the faithful of this nationality are living the conflict between their country and Russia. Speaking to Vatican News, he said that the tension that is being experienced is «very high» and assured that «we can do nothing but pray, in the hope that our political leaders can find a diplomatic solution».
The Prelate said that the cause of everything «is the logic of imperialism» that makes us take «a step backward, instead of taking a step forward and seek dialogue». The Bishop of the Ukrainians in Italy assured that Ukraine «is the only truly democratic country of the former Soviet Union», something that «is not good in the eyes of others; that is why there is a desire to destroy».
Msgr. Dionisio Lachovicz warned that Ukraine has already passed the experience of war «which caused almost seven million Ukrainians to die of hunger». Faced with this, the Prelate assured that «the Christian life is a help, a participation and a giving of one’s life for the other», so «those who preach the culture of death and war cannot be called Christians».
For his part, the Apostolic Nuncio in Ukraine asked «to build a greater understanding between the Churches», since «the more united we are, the stronger we will be inside and the more capable we will be of giving a witness to the Gospel to others».
In the same way, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Holy See, Andriy Yurash, lamented from Kiev that we are living «a terrible situation, not only for Ukraine, but also for Europe and for the whole world».
«The Ukrainian people are more united than ever. Here there is an atmosphere of great solidarity,» said the ambassador, who thanked Pope Francis for his words and his call for peace. «Pope Francis ‘spiritual support is vital for us. The Holy See offers to act as a mediator, the initiative already exists and we are very grateful for this availability», he said.
On February 8, Pope Francis received in the Vatican, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy; the private audience between the Holy Father and the President of Ukraine lasted half an hour. At the end of the meeting, the Pontiff gave President Zelensky a medallion of St. Martin of Tours, which the Pope indicated «he helps people in need and in difficulty,» adding that «in a difficult situation such as war, I hope that St. Martin will protect your people».
Unfortunately, it has happened what we have been fearing during several days and the world is a witness to a new war. During the night of February the 24th, Russia launched military operations on Ukrainian territory. At dawn, explosions and alarm sirens began to resonate also in the capital, Kiev. Thousands of people, women and children, are fleeing the war, seeking a safer place in the bordering countries, among them Poland and Slovakia. Despite the threat of President Putin who stated: «Let anyone who tries to create obstacles and interfere with us know that Russia will respond causing unprecedented consequences», it has been created an immense network of solidarity to welcome the war refugees and also our sisters are part of it.
We keep the hope that, in the meeting between the delegation of Russia and Ukraine, it will be possible, through dialogue and goodwill, to reach a peaceful solution and, for the goodness of all, to put an end to the armed conflict. Meanwhile, millions of people demonstrate against this absurd war, in many corners of the world.
We would like to be able to publish news of peace and reconciliation, next time. Pope Francis invited everyone to a day of fasting and prayer on March the 2nd, Ash Wednesday. May our incessant and trusting prayer for peace achieve this gift so precious but scarce in our world.
Source: Aciprensa
Photo: Vatican Media