Pope
Francis
pleaded this Sunday during the Angelus to "find a little humanity that will create the conditions for a
diplomatic solution
to seek peace in Ukraine," remembering the
second anniversary
of the start of the Russian invasion.
"This February 24 we remember with pain the second anniversary of the start of the large-scale war in Ukraine. So many victims, injuries, destruction, anguish, tears, in a period that is becoming
terribly long and whose end is not yet in sight
" said the pope, leaning out of the window of the papal palace.
Francis further stated that this war "is not only devastating this region of Europe, but
has unleashed a global wave of fear and hatred
."
Likewise, he wanted to express, as he does on every public occasion, his closeness to the martyred Ukrainian people and his prayers for everyone, especially for the many innocent victims.
"He begged for that bit of humanity to be found that would create the conditions for a diplomatic solution in search of a just and lasting peace," was the pontiff's appeal.
The pope, who appeared in good shape after having to cancel his agenda on Saturday due to a "light flu", also asked to pray for Palestine, for Israel "and for so many peoples torn by war."
The Pope called for "brave decisions" in environmental matters
Pope Francis also called for
courageous decisions
to protect the
environment
in the face of numerous extreme weather phenomena, such as the intense cold wave that is occurring in Mongolia, during the Angelus prayer.
When remembering this cold wave, the Pope assured that these phenomena "are also
signs of climate change
" and that "its effects are also a social problem that affects the lives of many people, especially the most vulnerable."
"Let us be wise and brave when making decisions for the protection of Creation," the pope asked.
Pope Francis celebrated the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer looking out of the window of the papal palace after this Saturday he had to cancel his schedule due to "a slight flu."
Francis read his reflection before praying the Angelus in a good voice before St. Peter's Square full of faithful.
Concern for Congo and Nigeria
In his appeals, the pope also showed his concern "about the increase in violence in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo" and joined "the invitation of the bishops to pray for peace, hoping for an end to the fighting and the search for a sincere and constructive dialogue".
He also regretted that "kidnappings are becoming more frequent in Nigeria" and expressed his closeness "to the Nigerian people, hoping that efforts will be made to stop the spread of these episodes as much as possible."
With information from EFE