‘Peace’, dialogue, reconciliation

On Tuesday, 19 November, Pope Francis addressed a letter to the Apostolic Nuncio in Kyiv, Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, to mark 1,000 days since the mass invasion of Ukraine began. Marking the tragic day, Pope Francis expressed his solidarity with the suffering people of Ukraine. The following is a translation of the Holy Father’s message.

Dear Brother,

Through this letter, which I address to you as my representative in the beloved and martyred Ukraine, I wish to embrace all its citizens, wherever they may be.

The occasion presents itself with the completion of 1,000 days of the large-scale military aggression the people of Ukraine are being subjected to. I know well that no human word can protect their lives from daily bombardments, or comfort those who mourn the dead, or heal the wounded, or bring children back home, or free prisoners, or mitigate the brutal effects of winter, or restore justice and peace. Yet, it is this word — peace — unfortunately forgotten by the world today, which we would like to hear resound in families, in homes and in the squares of dear Ukraine. Sadly, at least for now, that is not the case!

These words of mine however, do not aim to be simple words, albeit charged with solidarity, but, as I have done since the beginning of the invasion of this Country, a heartfelt invocation to God, the only source of life, hope and wisdom, so that He may transform hearts and make them capable of opening paths of dialogue, reconciliation and harmony.

I know that every morning, at nine, with a “national minute of silence”, Ukrainians sorrowfully remember the numerous victims caused by the conflict, children and adults, civilians and military personnel, as well as prisoners, who are often in deplorable conditions. I unite myself to them, to make louder the cry raised to Heaven, from where help comes: “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Ps 121).

May the Lord comfort our hearts and strengthen the hope that, while gathering every tear shed and holding all accountable He remains beside us even when human efforts seem fruitless and actions inadequate.

Confident that God will have the final word in this terrible tragedy, I bless all the people of Ukraine, starting with the Bishops and Priests with whom you, dear Brother, have remained beside the sons and daughters of this nation throughout these 1,000 days of suffering.

From the Vatican, 19 November 2024

Francis