Pope Francis affirmed this Wednesday that the war in Ukraine, like all the others, “represents an outrage against God, a blasphemous betrayal of the Lord”, during the general audience held in the Paul VI hall.
Francis returned to the issue of war, adding that it is “always a human action that leads to the idolatry of power.”
Although the Pope on Wednesday did not call for an end to the war in Ukraine, he did reflect on wars and “the temptation of a false peace, based on power, which then leads to hatred and betrayal of God.”
The pontiff also cited the book by Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky “The Legend of the Grand Inquisitor” which he defined as “always current” because “it represents worldly logic.”
He also rejected the idea of ”armed peace.” “The peace of Jesus does not dominate others, it is never an armed peace, never!” He exclaimed at the end of the audience.
“Yes, because while worldly power only leaves destruction and death, and we have seen it these days, its peace builds history, starting from the heart of each man who welcomes it,” he added.
And he asked that in these days the faithful stand before the Crucifix to ask for “peace of heart and peace in the world.”
On the other hand, he told the Polish faithful that this time they will celebrate Easter “in a special way: together with many Ukrainian guests.”
“Easter is a family celebration and you, by opening your houses to them, have become their family. Although most of them will celebrate these holidays a week later, according to Eastern tradition, already now all of you together contemplate the Crucifix, and wait for the resurrection of Christ and peace in Ukraine, “he added.
