Pope Francis always follows closely the development of the war in Ukraine. At the end of the general audience in St. Peter’s Square, Bergoglio met the wives of the Ukrainian military Azov battalionof the unit with several neo-Nazi components and indicted in the past war crimeswhose fighters are currently barricaded in the tunnels of theAzovstal Steelworks Mariupol, defying the last unstoppable resistance in a city already in Russian hands. It’s about Kateryna ProkopenkoWife of commander Denys Prokopenko, Julia FedosiukHanna Naumenko and Olha Andrianovaaccompanied by Petro Versilov. The request for the papal kiss on the hand came about through diplomatic channelsUkrainian embassy at the Holy See to the Vatican Secretariat of State. The positive response came last May 5th, signed by the archbishop, deputy of the main dicastery of the Roman Curia Edgar Pena Parraapparently after the green light from the Pope.
“Kneeling spiritually before the Virgin – Francis prayed recently, thinking of the conflict in Ukraine – I entrust to her this ardent desire Peace many peoples suffering from the senseless tragedy of war in different parts of the world. In particular, I offer to the Blessed Virgin the sufferings and tears of the Ukrainian people. In the face of the madness of the war, please continue to pray the Rosary for Peace every day. And we pray for the leaders of the nations that they will not lose the ‘nose of the people’ who want peace and know very well that they never bear arms”. A constant prayer, that of the Pope, who joins it diplomatic work carried out by the Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Paroline.
During the general audience, Francis also wanted “to address a special thought to the people of Sri Lankaespecially to the young people who have recently made themselves heard in the face of the challenges and social issues and economy of the country. I join these religious authorities in exhorting all parties to maintain a peaceful stance without yielding to violence. I appeal to all who have responsibility, so that they listen to the aspirations of the people that guarantee full respect for human rights and civil liberties”. Adding: “And I want to apologize because I can’t come to greet you today because of my knee: it’s still ill. You’ll have to move away from me a little, but it’s the same and I’ll receive you with my heart in my hand. Thank you”. A health problem which has been going on for several weeks and dictates the papal agenda.
In his catechesis, which continues the cycle of reflections on old age, Bergoglio dealt with the biblical figure of Judith “who defended Israel from her enemies”. “And so,” explained the Pope, “with his clever way of acting, he is able to cut the throat dictator what was against the country. She was brave, this woman, but she had faith.” Speaking to the faithful, Francis stressed that “heroism is not only that of the great events that are in the limelight, for example that of Judith killing the dictator: heroism is often found in the tenacity of love falling into a difficult family and is poured into them for the benefit of one community threatened. Judith lived for over a hundred years, a special blessing. But it’s not uncommon today to live that many years past retirement season.”
Twitter: @FrancescoGrana