“May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war”: this is the Pope’s heartfelt invocation at the end of the general audience in which he especially calls believers to dedicate the first day of Lent to recollection for the European country: God is the Father of all, not just of some, he wants us to be brothers, not enemies.

Adriana Masotti – Vatican City – Vatican News

“I have a great sorrow in my heart for the worsening of the situation in Ukraine”. Pope Francis says at the end of the catechesis at Wednesday’s general audience. “Despite the diplomatic efforts of the last few weeks – he observes – increasingly alarming scenarios are opening up. Like me, many people in the world are experiencing anguish and concern. Once again, the peace of everyone is threatened by vested interests”.

Francis continues: “I urge those who have political responsibilities, to examine their consciences with seriousness before God, who is the God of peace and not of war, the Father of all, not just of some, who wants us to be brothers, not enemies. I ask all parties involved to refrain from any action that may cause even more suffering to the populations, destabilising coexistence between nations and discrediting international law.”

The appeal to believers and non-believers

Pope Francis knows that politics is not enough to change hearts, only God can do that, he therefore urges everyone, believers and non-believers, to join in a unanimous plea for peace:

“Jesus taught us that to the evil senselessness of violence we should answer with the weapons of God, prayer and fasting. I invite everyone to mark 2nd March, Ash Wednesday, as a day of fasting for peace. I especially encourage believers to devote themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day. May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war.”