The European Bishops expressed support for Ukraine and asked the faithful around the world to pray for peace in Eastern Europe
Newsroom (Janaury 22, 2022, 2:08 PM, Gaudium Press) The Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) has issued a statement in which it expresses solidarity with the Ukrainian people and expresses concern over Russia’s growing military tension against Ukraine.
The document signed by Archbishop Gintaras Grušas of Vilnius (Lithuania) and president of the CCEE, calls on the international community to support Ukraine in the face of Russia’s military offensive:
“Together with the Holy Father, we want to ask governments to find ‘acceptable and lasting solutions’ in Ukraine, based on dialogue and negotiation and without resorting to arms,” the statement said.
Peaceful solution through dialogue
In fact, the document recalled a recent address by Francis to the diplomatic corps: “Mutual trust and the readiness to dialogue calmly must also inspire all the parties involved so that acceptable and lasting solutions can be found in Ukraine…”
The document did not fail to recall the tragic wars of the past, as well as the need to respect international law and the territorial sovereignty of countries.
Finally, the Bishops ask that Christians around the world pray that peace in Ukraine will be achieved exclusively through dialogue.
In recent weeks, Pope Francis has also been concerned about the Ukrainian conflict and always calls for a solution to be achieved through dialogue.
History of the conflict and imminent threat
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began in February 2014 with Russia’s annexation of the Crimean peninsula in eastern Ukraine.
Between April 2014 and 2020, 1.5 million people were displaced within Ukraine because of the conflict; 3,350 civilians were killed and 7,000 injured. In 2020, the two nations agreed to a ceasefire.
However, it is estimated that there are about 100,000 Russian troops on the border with Ukraine. U.S. military intelligence considers that Russian soldiers are prepared for an offensive. (FM)
Compiled by Zephania Gangl
