As the extent of the massacre of civilians in the Ukrainian town of Bucha continues to become clear, Pope Francis has lifted his voice to lament the human tragedy that occurred while Russian troops held the area.
Speaking at the Wednesday General Audience, the Pope said the killing of innocent civilians must cease. “Ever more horrendous cruelties [are occurring], even against civilians, women, and helpless children. They are victims whose innocent blood cries out to heaven and implores.”
Pope Francis then renewed his appeal for an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine. “May this war cease! May weapons fall silent. Stop sowing death and destruction.”
He also invited everyone to pray in silence for a moment to ask God for this intention.
The Pope said that on Tuesday he had received a Ukrainian flag from the town of Bucha.
He then unfurled the faded and war-stained flag and held it up for all to see, saying the flag “came from war, from that martyred city of Bucha.”
ENDS
Image: Vatican News