Pope issues a strong plea for an end to attacks on civilians
A destroyed school in Ukraine. Photo: hrw.org
On January 5, Pope Francis addressed pilgrims with a plea for continued prayers for peace, calling particular attention to Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Myanmar, and Sudan, according to Vatican News.
The pontiff urged the international community to act “with firmness to ensure that humanitarian law is respected” during conflicts. He condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure.
“No more striking civilians! No more striking schools or hospitals! No more striking workplaces!” he declared.
Pope Francis concluded his remarks with a reminder that war never brings victory.
“Let us not forget,” he said, “that war is always a defeat, always!”
As previously reported by the UOJ, the head of the UGCC believes that a unified structure of the UGCC and OCU will be the result of the unifying efforts of Rome and the Phanar.
Read also
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.