On Sunday, the Vatican released Pope Francis' reflection for the Angelus address. Though the Pope couldn't lead the midday prayer, as he continues with treatment for pneumonia in Gemelli hospital, he shared his reflections.
Among his observations was the February 24 anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
He said:
Tomorrow will be the third anniversary of the large-scale war against Ukraine: a painful and shameful occasion for the whole of humanity! As I reiterate my closeness to the suffering Ukrainian people, I invite you to remember the victims of all armed conflicts, and to pray for the gift of peace in Palestine, Israel and throughout the Middle East, Myanmar, Kivu [in Democratic Republic of the Congo], and Sudan.
The Holy Father has mentioned the suffering of Ukraine in nearly every public address since the start of the war.
He has also written special letters to the Ukrainian people.
Nine months after the start of the war, in November 2022, he told them:
Dear brothers and sisters, in all this great flood of evil and pain – ninety years after the terrible genocide of the Holodomor – I stand in admiration of your steadfast resistance. Even amid the experience of this enormous tragedy, the Ukrainian people have never given into discouragement or self-pity. The world has come to recognize a people bold and strong, a people that suffers and prays, weeps and struggles, resists and continues to hope, a noble people of martyrs. I remain close to you in heart and prayer,
Then in November 2024, making 1,000 days of war, he sent another letter. In it, he prayed:
May the Lord comfort our hearts and strengthen the hope that, while gathering every tear shed and holding all accountable, he remains close to us even when human efforts seem fruitless and actions inadequate.
