Tuesday,
the Holy Father Pope Francis wrote a letter to Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas,
the apostolic nuncio to Ukraine, marking the 1,000th day since the Russian
invasion.
“I
am well aware that no human words can protect their lives from daily bombings,
console those mourning their dead, heal the wounded, bring children back home,
free prisoners, or restore justice and peace.
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.”
Ilya
Yarovy- Ukraine
On
Wednesday, the Holy Father, visibly moved, read a letter a Ukrainian student had sent to him. The student, whose name was not announced, expressed the desire for the Pope and all
pilgrims at the Wednesday audience to know of the faith, and not just the
sufferings of the people of Ukraine.
“I
thank God because, through this pain, I am learning greater love. Pain is not
only a road to anger and despair; if based on faith, it is a good teacher of
love.
When
you speak of our pain, when you remember our thousand days of
suffering, speak of our thousand days of love, too, because only love, faith,
and hope give a real meaning to our wounds.”
