Pope Francis Condemns Russian Invasion of Ukraine as a “Shameful Disaster”
Pope Francis marked the 1,000th day since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Wednesday, describing the war as a “shameful disaster for humanity.” The pope made the statement during his weekly general audience at the Vatican, which was attended by Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska.
“Yesterday marked 1,000 days since the invasion of Ukraine—a tragic anniversary for the victims and the destruction it has caused,” the pontiff said. “But at the same time, it is a shameful disaster for all humanity.”
The audience in St. Peter’s Square also included the first ladies of Armenia, Lithuania, and Serbia. Pope Francis expressed solidarity with the “martyred Ukrainian people” and reiterated his call for dialogue to replace weapons in resolving the conflict.
A Personal Account of Suffering
During the audience, the pope read a letter from a Ukrainian student detailing the devastating impact of the war on the lives of ordinary people.
Since Russia’s large-scale invasion in February 2022, Pope Francis has consistently condemned the violence and appealed for peace. His remarks reflect ongoing Vatican efforts to mediate and promote dialogue amid the protracted conflict.
