Pope Francis lamented the violent invasion of Russia in Ukraine which he described as “a senseless massacre” that has no justification because it is “cruel, inhuman and sacrilegious.”
The Holy Father said during the Angelus on 20 March, that “unfortunately, the violent aggression against Ukraine does not stop, a senseless massacre where atrocities are repeated every day” and warned that “again this week, the missiles and bombs fell on civilians, the elderly, children and pregnant mothers.”
“ There is no justification for it. I ask all the actors of the international community to really commit themselves to put an end to this disgusting war,” the Pope said.
In this line, the Pontiff explained that “This is inhumane!” and added that “it is also a sacrilege because it goes against the sanctity of human life, especially against defenseless human life, which must be respected and protected, not eliminated, and which is above any strategy! Let’s not forget: it’s cruel, inhuman and sacrilegious!”
For this reason, the Holy Father asked “let us pray in silence for those who suffer” and remained in silent prayer together with the thousands of faithful gathered in Saint Peter’s Square for the recitation of the Angelus.
In addition, the Pope asked, “please, let’s not get used to war and violence! Let us not get tired of welcoming with generosity, as is being done: not only now, in the emergency, but also in the weeks and months to come”.
In this way, the Holy Father warned that “at first we all make an effort to be welcoming, but then custom cools our hearts a little and we forget.”
“Let’s think of those women, of those children who, over time, without work, separated from their husbands, will be sought out by the ‘vultures’ of society. Let’s protect them, please,” encouraged the Pope.