Vatican laments ‘tragic’ invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin. / Daniel Ibanez/CNA
Rome Newsroom, Feb 24, 2022 / 07:30 am (CNA).
The Vatican’s Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin lamented on Thursday the “tragic scenes” taking place in Ukraine after Russia’s attack, and said wisdom is needed to save the world “from the folly and horrors of war.”
“The tragic scenes which everyone feared are unfortunately becoming reality,” Parolin said in a video statement on Feb. 24, after Ukrainian officials reported that Russia had launched a full-scale invasion of their country.
Parolin added that Pope Francis’ appeal on Wednesday for “peaceful coexistence” in the region “acquires a dramatic urgency after the beginning of Russian military operations in Ukrainian territory.”
Starting in the early morning on Feb. 24, Russian military breached the border of Ukraine at several points. Russian shelling and missile strikes on military headquarters and airfields were also reported.
Ukrainian officials said, as of almost 3:00 p.m. local time, that Russia had carried out 203 attacks across the country since before dawn, according to Reuters.
In his statement, Parolin said despite the news coming out of Ukraine, there was still hope that with the exercise of wisdom, peace could prevail.
“There is still time for good will, there is still room for negotiation, there is still room for the exercise of a wisdom that prevents the prevalence of partisan interests, protects the legitimate aspirations of each and spares the world from madness and saves the world from the folly and horrors of war,” he said.
“We believers do not lose hope for a glimmer of conscience from those who hold the destinies of the world in their hands,” the cardinal said. “And let us continue to pray and fast — we will do so next Ash Wednesday — for peace in Ukraine and throughout the whole world.”
During his public audience on Feb. 23, Pope Francis called for March 2, Ash Wednesday, to be a day of prayer and fasting for Ukraine.
Share on Facebook «||»
Share on Twitter «||»
Share on Reddit «||»
Share on LinkedIn
Russian invasion of Ukraine deliberate, cold-blooded and long-planned invasion – NATO: Nato’s Jens Stoltenberg is now speaking in Brussels and says the alliance has activated its defence plans, enabling it to deploy the Nato response force...
‘Its destructive’ – Russia condemns US for sending 3,000 troops to Eastern Europe over Ukraine invasion fears: In response to worries of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia has denounced the United States for sending 3000 troops to Eastern Europe to protect...
Russia to employ actors and create fake graphic video to justify Ukraine invasion – US alleges: The US has alleged that Russia is preparing to “fabricate a pretext for an invasion” of Ukraine, using a “graphic” video that would depict a...
NATO Allies condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in the strongest possible terms: Today (24 February 2022), NATO held an emergency meeting of the North Atlantic Council to respond to Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked attack on Ukraine. “NATO...
Russian Grand Prix removed from 2022 Formula 1 calendar due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: This follows UEFA’s cancelation of Russia as the Champions League final location to Paris. “The FIA Formula 1 World Championship visits countries all over the world...
Russia has no support for invasion of Ukraine: UK statement at Security Council vote: The UN Charter begins with the solemn invocation to peace: “We the peoples of the United Nations determined to save successive generations from the scourge...
‘We need to create a better world for our children’ – Cristiano Ronaldo sends powerful message following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: Cristiano Ronaldo, a Manchester United striker, has joined the plea for peace in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. On Thursday, February 24, Russian...
Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich steps back following Russia invasion of Ukraine: In the midst of Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has stated that he will hand over control of the club to...
Fighting Intensifies On Streets Of Ukraine As Russia’s Invasion Enters Day Four: Fighting has reached the streets of Ukrainian capital as Russia presses ahead with its invasion. President Volodymyr Zelenkskyy has pledged to defend the country, saying that he will not surrender....
UEFA Allows Russia To Compete In European Under-17 Events Despite Ukraine Invasion: Russia Allowed to Compete in European Under-17 Championships In a significant shift of policy, Russia has been granted the opportunity to participate in the European...