Pope Francis wrote a letter to the Ukrainian people for the nine month anniversary of the Russian invasion of the country. In his message, the Pope says he wants to join his tears to those of the Ukrainian people.
He says he weeps for 'every little child who, because of the war, has lost his or her life.' The Pope specifically remembers two girls: Kira, a girl who died in Odessa and Lisa, who died in Vinnytsia.
Pope Francis praised the volunteers and priests who, often at great risk to their ''own safety, have stood by the people, bringing God's consolation and the solidarity'' of their brothers and sisters. He also thanked them for having turned the convents into places that 'offer hospitality, relief and food to those in difficult conditions.'
At the end of the letter, the Pope recalled that 'in a few weeks, it will be Christmas and the cry of suffering will be heard even more.' He invited those living with war to turn their eyes to Bethlehem and 'the trial that the Holy Family faced that night.' Pope Francis encouraged them to entrust their tears to the Holy Family and to continue praying for peace.
RM
TR: KG
