Pope Francis once again made a vibrant appeal for peace in Ukraine during the general audience of January 4, 2023. He spoke of the suffering of this martyred people and asked the faithful to pray especially for Ukrainian children.
"I urge everyone to persevere in heartfelt closeness and solidarity with the martyred Ukrainian people," Pope Francis implored at the end of his catechesis.
"Let us not tire of praying," he insisted, generating long applause. "The Ukrainian people are suffering. Ukrainian children are suffering. Let us pray for them," added the Argentine pontiff, leaving aside his notes.
On Sunday, January 1, for the first Angelus of the year, the Pope renewed his call for peace in the world.
On this day that Saint Paul VI wished to dedicate to prayer and reflection for peace in the world, let us feel even more strongly intolerable the contrast of war, that in Ukraine and in other regions, is sowing death and destruction. Nevertheless, let us not lose hope because we have faith in God who in Jesus Christ has opened for us the way of peace.
