The Pope: Ukraine was dragged into a "cruel and senseless" conflict

On Feb. 17, making his annual Easter "Urbi et Orbi" address, Pope Francis said the world was celebrating the "Easter of war", adding that Ukraine was dragged into a "cruel and senseless" conflict, reuters.com reported.

The pontiff dedicated much of the message to Ukraine, comparing the shock of another war in Europe to the shock of the apostles when the gospel says they saw the risen Jesus.

“Our eyes, too, are incredulous on this ‘Easter of war’. We have seen all too much blood, all too much violence. Our hearts, too, have been filled with fear and anguish, as so many of our brothers and sisters have had to lock themselves away in order to be safe from bombing,” said Pope Francis.

Earlier, the Pope urged to celebrate the Catholic Easter by establishing truce in Ukraine, adding that the Vatican is ready to do everything to achieve peace in Ukraine. It previously sent two cardinals to the region specifically for this.

As the UOJ reported earlier, a religious procession in Rome with the participation of a Ukrainian and a Russian was criticized in Ukraine.

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