Pope appeals for peace in Ukraine

March 03, 2014 - Pope Francis appealed on Sunday to make every effort to avert the crisis in Ukraine through dialogue and harmony. Speaking to thousands of pilgrims and visitors in Rome St. Peter’s Square after his weekly midday ‘Angelus’ prayer, the Pope urged for prayers for Ukraine which he said was living through a delicate situation. He expressed the hope that all parts of the country “will endeavour to overcome misunderstandings and build together the future of the nation.” The Pope appealed to the international community “to support any initiative for dialogue and harmony.”


Recalling that Lent begins this week on Ash Wednesday, the Holy Father described the 40 day’s leading up to Easter as a journey of conversion, to combat evil with the weapons of prayer, fasting and mercy. He stressed that humanity needs justice, reconciliation, and peace, and it will only have them by turning to God. The expressed his solidarity with those who at this time are tested by poverty and violent conflict.

Prior to the ‘Angelus’, the Pope shared a reflection on Sunday’s Gospel, underscoring the trust in Divine Providence, which, he said, also enjoins Christians to help their brothers and sisters in need. Looking at society today where people live in precarious conditions such as poverty and the difficulties faced by many as a result of the economic crisis that offends their dignity, the Pope said that in times like these the words of Jesus may seem abstract. But in reality he underlined, these words are more present than ever because they remind us that we cannot serve two masters: God and wealth. As long as everyone tries to accumulate for themselves Pope Francis added, there will never be justice. Recalling that our burial cloth does not have pockets he said we cannot take our wealth when we die. A heart overcome by possession is an empty one “because Jesus has repeatedly warned the rich, a heart possessed by riches leaves little room for faith. The Pope noted that “To make sure that no one lacks bread, water, clothing, housing , work, health, we must all recognize that we are children of the Father who is in heaven , and then brothers and sisters” and we should act accordingly as Christians.