Pope Francis on Wednesday marked the somber milestone of 1,000 days since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, condemning the ongoing conflict as a “shameful disaster for humanity.” His remarks came during his weekly general audience at the Vatican, where he was joined by Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, along with the first ladies of Armenia, Lithuania, and Serbia.
In a poignant address to the thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the Argentine pope reflected on the toll the war has taken. “Yesterday marked 1,000 days since the invasion of Ukraine, a tragic anniversary for the victims and the destruction it has caused,” he said. “But at the same time, it is a shameful disaster for all of humanity.” His words echoed a call for a deeper sense of collective responsibility, urging an end to the violence.
The pope took the opportunity to express his solidarity with the Ukrainian people, describing them as “martyred” by the war. He emphasized the need for global efforts to move beyond weapons and toward dialogue, underscoring the urgency of peace. “Let weapons give way to dialogue,” he said, as the crowd listened intently.
In his remarks, Pope Francis also shared a personal letter from a Ukrainian student, which vividly described the suffering and hardship endured by those caught in the conflict. The letter painted a stark picture of the human toll, further amplifying the pope’s call for action.
Since the Russian invasion began in February 2022, Pope Francis has been a vocal advocate for peace, repeatedly urging both sides to seek an end to the war and to prioritize the well-being of civilians. His appeal on the 1,000th day of the conflict serves as yet another reminder of the ongoing crisis and the continued need for international efforts to bring it to a peaceful conclusion.
