Pope Francis Calls for Peace and Reconciliation on 1,000th Day of Ukraine War

Marking the grim milestone of 1,000 days since Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, Pope Francis issued a heartfelt plea for peace, reconciliation, and dialogue in a November 20 letter in which he acknowledged the immense human toll of the conflict that has claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians and Russians.

“May the Lord comfort our hearts and strengthen the hope that, while gathering every tear shed and holding all accountable, he remains close to us even when human efforts seem fruitless and actions inadequate,” wrote the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

The letter was addressed to Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, the apostolic nuncio to Ukraine and a Vatican diplomat. Addressing him as “my representative in the beloved and tormented Ukraine,” the pontiff expressed his desire for the archbishop to convey his message of solidarity.

“I wish to embrace all its citizens, wherever they may be,” he wrote, offering spiritual support to a nation enduring profound suffering.

In early October, Francis welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the Vatican for their third meeting. During the visit, Zelenskyy renewed his appeal for assistance in securing the return of Ukrainians held captive in Russia, particularly children—an issue the Holy See is actively addressing.

Acknowledging the immense suffering endured by the people of Ukraine, Francis expressed his understanding of the limitations of words in the face of such profound pain.

The pope wrote he was “well aware that no human words can protect lives from daily bombings, console those mourning their dead, heal the wounded, bring children back home, free prisoners, mitigate the harsh effects of winter, or restore justice and peace.”

Reflecting on the concept of peace, Francis lamented that it has become “sadly forgotten by today’s world.” He emphasized the need for the idea to resonate once more, pointing out that is still a word “we would like to hear resounding in the families, homes and squares of dear Ukraine.”

The pope clarified that his letter was not intended as “mere words, albeit full of solidarity.” Instead, he described it as a heartfelt prayer to God, “the only source of life, hope, and wisdom,” seeking divine intervention to transform hearts and pave the way for “dialogue, reconciliation, and harmony.”

Francis reflected on Ukraine’s poignant tradition of tolling church bells each morning at 9 o’clock to mark a “national minute of silence” in remembrance of the countless victims of the war. The solemn ritual honors children and adults, both civilians and military personnel, as well as prisoners enduring what the pontiff described as “deplorable conditions.”

“I join them so that the cry may be louder as it rises to Heaven, from which comes our help,” he wrote, offering his spiritual solidarity with the nation.

The pope extended his blessing to all Ukrainians, including members of the clergy, who have supported their people throughout “these thousand days of suffering.”

Photo credits: Anti-terrorist operation in eastern Ukraine by Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. CC BY-SA 2.0.