Pope Francis again expressed his concern about the danger of a nuclear war in Ukraine; and encouraged the paths of peace to be taken to end the conflict.
Before the recitation of the Angelus, the Holy Father expressed his concern about the conflict in Ukraine, recalling that decades ago there was also the danger of a nuclear war.
“We cannot forget the danger of nuclear war that at that time threatened the world. Why not learn from history?” the Holy Father questioned.
“Also at that time there were conflicts and great tensions, but the peaceful path was chosen,” he said.
Pope Francis then recalled a passage from the book of Jeremiah in the Bible, in which it is said: “Thus says the Lord: ‘Stop on the roads and look, ask the ancient paths where the good road is, and go along it. : thus they will find tranquility for their souls’”.
Last week Vladimir Putin announced that the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia and Kherson – in the east and south of Ukraine – had become part of Russia.
Many of these areas are occupied by the Russian army; however, in recent days, the Ukrainian forces have made advances.
This Saturday an explosion seriously affected the bridge that connects Crimea with Russia and where the Russians transport weapons. Although the Ukrainians have not claimed responsibility for the incident, this would have been an operation to affect a Russian communication channel.
Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia and Kherson represent 15% of the Ukrainian territory. Its annexation adds to that of the Crimean peninsula, taken by Russia in 2014.
Prayers for tragedy in Thailand
The Holy Father also assured him of his prayers “for the victims of the insane act of violence that occurred three days ago in Thailand. With shock, I entrust to the Father of Life, particularly the little children and their families.”