separateurCreated with Sketch.

Mothers of dead sons: Let us pray for them, says Pope

Pope Francis during his weekly general audience in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican - April 05 2023
whatsappfacebooktwitter-xemailnative
Kathleen N. Hattrup - published on 04/05/23
whatsappfacebooktwitter-xemailnative
Whether mothers of Ukraine or mothers of Russia: They are mothers of dead sons. Looking at Mary below the Cross, Pope thinks of them.

Help Aleteia continue its mission by making a tax-deductible donation. In this way, Aleteia's future will be yours as well.

Donate with just 3 clicks

*Your donation is tax deductible!

Pope Francis pointed to two modern examples of suffering, as he contemplated the events of Holy Week at the general audience this April 5.

The first was victims of war crimes:

In this Holy Week of Christ's Passion, commemorating His unjust death, I remember in a special way all the victims of war crimes, and as I call to prayer for them, let us raise a supplication to God that the hearts of all may be converted.

Then the Holy Father turned his attention to Our Lady, and with her, to suffering mothers of soldiers:

And as I look at Mary, Our Lady, before the Cross my thoughts go to the mothers: to the mothers of the Ukrainian and Russian soldiers who have fallen in the war. They are mothers of dead sons. Let us pray for these mothers.

The Pope offered the same prayer just after Christmas, even if certain voices later protested his remembrance of the Russian women:

“Ukrainian moms and Russian moms, on both sides they have lost their children. This is the price of war,” Pope Francis denounced.

Did you enjoy this article? Would you like to read more like this?

Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. It’s free!

Aleteia exists thanks to your donations

Help us to continue our mission of sharing Christian news and inspiring stories. Please make a donation today! Take advantage of the end of the year to get a tax deduction for 2024.