Pope Francis' eleventh year marred by sorrow over wars

Mar 25, 2024

By Salvatore Cernuzio
Pope Francis’ eleventh year has been profoundly marked by the sorrow of global conflicts, particularly the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Over the past year, the Pope has issued more than 150 appeals for Ukraine, emphasising its suffering and calling it “martyred,” and over 60 calls for ceasefire and peace in the Middle East. These appeals come with an invitation to world leaders to engage in “creative efforts” for a just and enduring peace, reflecting his deep concern for what he describes as humanity’s “dark hour.”

Reflecting on the toll of the conflict, Pope Francis shared his personal anguish, especially over the young lives lost, echoing the grief of thousands of mothers worldwide. In his first podcast, produced by Vatican News, he particularly mourned the young victims of the war in Ukraine, repeatedly referring to the nation as “martyred” or “tormented.” This characterisation isn’t just a repetitive slogan but a persistent reminder of the Ukrainian people’s suffering, a focus that has only intensified with the conflict’s potential escalation in Eastern Europe and the devastating violence in the Holy Land sparked by a terrorist attack by Hamas and the subsequent military response by Israel, leading to approximately 31,000 deaths in five months.

In his solitary prayers, Pope Francis carries the weight of these global crises, symbolised by the icons, crosses, and objects in his room from the afflicted nations. His public statements, overflowing with more than 130 appeals for Ukraine and over 60 for the Middle East, consistently emphasise his solidarity with the victims and his prayers for peace. Regardless of the occasion — be it Angelus, Regina Caeli, or General Audience — the Pope has consistently highlighted the ongoing wars, advocating for peace and an end to the “madness” of war.

The Pope’s call for peace extends beyond verbal appeals. He urges a harmonious political and diplomatic commitment to peace, notably calling on the European Union to play a significant role. This call for action is part of his broader plea to the international community and world leaders to embrace the principles outlined in the Pacem in Terris encyclical, advocating for a world regulated by reason — truth, justice, and active solidarity — rather than armed force.

The pontiff has also questioned the absence of “creative efforts for peace” and has highlighted the importance of opening channels for dialogue and friendship as paths to peace. His commitment to peace efforts led to the appointment of Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi as his envoy to key global capitals, embodying the Pope’s desire for “creativity” in peace missions.

Amidst these challenges, the Holy Father envisions a world united in peace, without hate or weapons — a vision he shared with young people during his trip to Portugal for the World Youth Day. However, this vision faces significant tests, especially in the wake of intensified violence in the Middle East. The Pope’s response to these events underscores his belief that war is always a defeat, bringing only death, destruction, and suffering.

The Pope’s stance is clear: the path to peace requires more than just rejecting war; it necessitates active efforts towards negotiation and respect for international law. His message is a call to action for everyone, urging a collective movement towards peace, dialogue, and understanding, and a rejection of the destructive cycles of violence that plague our world.-- Vatican News