Pope Francis Sends Message of Solidarity on 1,000th Day of Ukraine’s War, Calls for Peace

Pope Francis has sent a poignant letter to the country’s Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, offering heartfelt solidarity and prayers for peace. The letter, released Tuesday, As the war in Ukraine marks a grim 1,000-day milestone, expresses deep empathy for the suffering Ukrainians have endured since Russia’s invasion began on February 24, 2022.

In his message, Pope Francis acknowledged the severity of the conflict and the devastating toll it has taken on the lives of countless civilians, soldiers, and prisoners. “No human words,” he wrote, “can protect lives from bombings, console the grieving, or heal the wounded.” Despite this, the Pope expressed his unwavering hope that peace would eventually return to Ukraine, stressing that the word “peace” remains a prayer he holds for the country.

The Pope also honored the victims of the war, reflecting on Ukraine’s daily national minute of silence at 9 AM—a powerful symbol of respect for those lost to the violence. His letter included a reference to Psalm 121, a verse that speaks to divine support in times of hardship: “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

In this moment of collective mourning, the Pope called on the people of Ukraine to continue finding strength in their faith and solidarity, despite the hardships they face. He emphasized the enduring hope that divine help is available, even when human efforts seem insufficient.

As part of his long-standing commitment to advocating for peace, Pope Francis reiterated his call for dialogue and reconciliation. He expressed that his words were not only a message of solidarity but a heartfelt plea for God’s intervention in the pursuit of peace. “Only God is the source of life, hope, and wisdom,” the Pope wrote, reinforcing the belief that peace can only be achieved through divine guidance.

The Pope concluded his letter with a special blessing for the clergy and faithful in Ukraine, recognizing their unwavering commitment to support their communities throughout the war. He also sent a blessing to the entire Ukrainian population, trusting that “God will have the final word” on this tragic conflict.

“May the Lord comfort our hearts and strengthen our hope,” Pope Francis said, offering his continued prayers for peace and healing in Ukraine. His message stands as a reminder of the global call for an end to the war and the return of peace to the embattled nation.