Only hours after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Cardinal Pietro Parolin has said that it is becoming increasingly urgent that the Pope's call for peace be heard.
POPE FRANCIS
'I ask all parties involved to refrain from any action that could bring even more suffering to the people, disturbing the coexistence among nations and undermining international law.'
CARD. PIETRO PAROLIN
Vatican Secretary of State
'The tragic scenarios that everyone feared are becoming a reality. Yet, there is still time for good will. There is still room for negotiation. There is still a place for the exercise of the wisdom that can prevent the predominance of parties and interests, safeguard the legitimate aspirations of everyone, and spare the world from the folly and horrors of war.'
Just as Pope Francis has done on two occasions, the cardinal appealed to the consciences of political leaders.
CARD. PIETRO PAROLIN
Vatican Secretary of State
'As believers, we do not lose hope for a glimmer of conscience on the part of those who hold in their hands the fortunes of the world.'
At the same time, Ukraine's top Catholic leader, Sviatoslav Shevchuk, has shared that he is in an air raid shelter under the cathedral of Kyiv to protect himself from shelling, and is asking for prayers and solidarity.
JMB
TR: JM
