In remarks following his Jan. 23rd Angelus for Sunday of the Word of God, Pope Francis called for a day of prayer for peace in Ukraine on Jan. 26, saying “I make a heartfelt appeal to all people of good will to raise prayers to Almighty God that all political actions and initiatives may be at the service of human brotherhood…”
As the threat of a Russian invasion into the Eastern European country increases, the pope said he has been following with concern “the increase of tensions that threaten to inflict a new blow to the peace in Ukraine and call into question the security of the European continent, with wider repercussions.”
The U.S. Bishops, in a statement released Jan. 25, wrote:
“Earlier, the Holy Father had expressed concerns about Ukraine and the hope ‘that the tensions it is experiencing may be resolved through serious international dialogue and not with weapons.’
“Let us join with the Holy Father who, in his 2022 address to the diplomatic corps, said, ‘Reciprocal trust and readiness to engage in calm discussion should inspire all parties at stake, so that acceptable and lasting solutions can be found in Ukraine…’
“The Catholic bishops of Ukraine and Poland issued an appeal on January 24 that leaders refrain from war and ‘withdraw ultimatums immediately.’ They called on ‘the international community to join efforts in solidarity and actively support those under threat in all possible ways.’
“In this time of fear and uncertainty, we stand in solidarity with the Church in Ukraine and offer our support. We call on all the faithful and people of good will to pray for the people of Ukraine, especially on January 26, that they may know the blessings of peace.”
Resource
Pope Francis’ Prayer for Peace (USCCB)
