“In communion with all political efforts to de-escalate the tension, we invite the entire Franciscan Family in communion with Pope Francis and the whole Church […] to unite in prayer for peace and progress for all peoples, especially today for Russia and Ukraine”.
It should be remembered that this invitation is in addition to many others, such as Pope Francis’ appeal to the world during the Angelus prayer on Sunday 13 February 2022 in which the Holy Father had words for reconciliation and peace, asking everyone for a commitment to unceasing prayer: “The news from Ukraine is very worrying. I entrust every effort for peace to the intercession of the Virgin Mary and to the conscience of the political leaders. Let us pray in silence”
Stable and lasting peace requires the comprehensive development of all peoples, but despite all the efforts made for the sake of peace, from time to time the sounds of war break out. In this particular case, the threat of war between Russia and Ukraine.
Dear brothers and sisters in Franciscan life and in communion with all who work for peace, motivated by Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, our brother Francis of Assisi, the bearer of peace and source of inspiration to build a more just and fraternal social and political life, we invite you to intensify our prayer and commitment for peace and justice in the face of the crisis that is developing between these countries.
If we take a closer look at our rapidly changing world, we realise that social, political and economic relations between peoples are becoming more fragile and complex. This jeopardises peaceful coexistence and good neighbourliness between and within countries.
We Franciscans are following the increasing tension between Russia and Ukraine with great attention and concern. Although there have been some positive signs in recent days, the conflict is still present.
In communion with all political efforts to de-escalate the tension, we invite the entire Franciscan Family in communion with Pope Francis and the whole Church:
1. To unite in prayer for peace and progress for all peoples, especially today for Russia and Ukraine. May the life of St Francis and his admonition 15 help us to pray with God’s people: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God (Mt 5:9). Those people are truly peacemakers who, regardless of what they suffer in this world, preserve peace of spirit and body out of love of our Lord Jesus Christ”. May we, brothers and sisters, wherever we are, be promoters of justice, missionaries and peacemakers (Lk 10:5), constantly overcoming evil with good.
2. To be thoroughly informed about the crisis between the two countries and the position of the major powers, in particular their own country, and not to superimpose economic or any other interests, but to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty.
3. Advocate with civil society so that the presidents of the countries involved and those that support one or the other and international organisations make the best efforts to ensure that the threat of war is lifted and that a more lasting peace flourish again.
May peace prevail on earth.