STOP THE “SPIRAL OF VIOLENCE AND DEATH” IN UKRAINE, POPE FRANCIS ‘BEGS’ PUTIN

Sun 02 October 2022:

Pope Francis said he is haunted by “rivers of blood and tears” and has made a direct appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt the “spiral of violence and death” in Ukraine.

In a speech devoted to Ukraine in St. Peter’s Square, the head of the Catholic Church also denounced the annexation of four regions of Ukraine, warned that it could lead to a nuclear conflict, and pleaded with Putin to consider his own citizens.

“My appeal goes above all to the president of the Russian Federation, begging him to stop this spiral of violence and death, even out of love for his own people,” Francis said.

The war in #Ukraine has become so serious, devastating and threatening as to cause great concern. In the name of God and of the sense of humanity that dwells in every heart, I renew my call for an immediate ceasefire. #Russia #Peace

— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) October 2, 2022

He also called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to consider proposals to halt the fighting.

“On the other side, pained by the enormous suffering of the Ukrainian population following the aggression it suffered, I address an equally hopeful appeal to the president of Ukraine to be open to a serious peace proposal,” he said.

He was making an urgent appeal “in the name of God” for an end to the conflict and said it was “absurd” that the world was risking a nuclear conflict.

Francis later tweeted both the appeals to the two leaders in Russian and Ukrainian.

Let negotiations begin that will lead to solutions that are not imposed by force, but consensual, just and stable, based on respect for human life, as well as the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each country, and the rights of minorities. #Ukraine #Russia

— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) October 2, 2022

Ukraine on Sunday claimed full control of the eastern logistics hub of Lyman, Kyiv’s most significant battlefield gain in weeks.

“I strongly deplore the grave situation that has been created in the last few days, with more actions that are contrary to the principles of international law,” Francis said in a clear reference to the annexation.

In a reference to ethnic Russians living in Ukraine, Francis said it was also necessary to respect “the rights of minorities and [their] legitimate worries”.

Francis said it was “anguishing” that the world was learning about Ukrainian geography through names of places such as Bucha, Irpin, Mariupol, Izyum, Zaporizhzhia and other places where people had suffered “indescribable suffering and fear”.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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