Pope: 'Hurricane of violence' in Ukraine must cease

In latest appeal for Ukraine, Pope Francis prays for those who have suffered this week in Russia's heaviest bombardments since the start of the war, and urges leaders of nations to put aside war and embrace peaceful coexistence in justice.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

In the wake of Russia's heavy bombardment of several western Ukrainian cities, Pope Francis is praying for those who suffer, while appealing to nations to seek peace.

The Holy Father made his latest appeal for war-torn Ukraine toward the end of his Wednesday General Audience in St. Peter's Square, speaking to the thousands of pilgrims gathered with him.

“In these days my heart is with the Ukrainian people, especially to the inhabitants of the places where the bombings have raged.”

Earlier this week, Ukraine was struck by the heaviest bombardment since the early days of the war.

Russian missile strikes hit not only multiple locations in the centre of the capital, Kyiv, but also Lviv, Dnipro, Kharkiv, and other cities, claiming several lives and causing numerous casualties.

Transforming hearts

"I carry within me their pain," the Pope said, "and through the intercession of the Holy Mother of God, I present it in prayer to the Lord."

God, said the Pope, always hears the cry of those who invoke Him.

“May His Spirit transform the hearts of those who hold the fate of the war in their hands, so that the hurricane of violence may cease and peaceful coexistence in justice may be rebuilt.”

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