“I would also like to thank the journalists who put their lives at risk to provide information,” he expressed. “Thank you, brothers and sisters, for this service! A service that allows us to be close to the tragedy of that population and enables us to assess the cruelty of a war.”
While he did not name particular journalists or countries aiding refugees, Pope Francis has, in the past, thanked the Polish people for their generosity in greeting those fleeing from Ukraine.
Since the start of the invasion, Pope Francis has called for peace. He recently urged Catholics worldwide to pray and fast for Ukraine on Ash Wednesday, which marked the beginning of Lent on March 2.
On Feb. 25, he visited the Russian Embassy to the Holy See, located near the Vatican. Catholic author George Weigel told Catholic World Report that the pope spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the visit. That same day, he called Shevchuk to express his support for peace.
The following day, Pope Francis announced his sorrow at the situation in Ukraine in a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
At the Angelus, he renewed his call for the attacks to end.
“Above all, I implore that the armed attacks cease and that negotiation — and common sense — prevail. And that international law be respected once again!” he declared.
Acknowledging the flags in the square below him, he called on the faithful to pray with him another Marian prayer: the Hail Mary.
“Let us pray together, as brothers and sisters, to Our Lady, Queen of Ukraine,” he said.
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Katie Yoder is a correspondent in CNA’s Washington, D.C. bureau. She covers pro-life issues, the U.S. Catholic bishops, public policy, and Congress. She previously worked for Townhall.com, National Review, and the Media Research Center.
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