Concerned And Saddened By The Massacre Of Civilians In Ukraine, Pope Francis: Marked By The Forces Of Evil

JAKARTA - Pope Francis said the war in Ukraine was marked by the forces of evil, as it left atrocities such as the massacre of civilians.

Pope Francis made his comments to participants on an interfaith pilgrimage of solidarity with the Ukrainian people in Chernivtsi, Western Ukraine organized by the Israel-based Elijah Interfaith Institute.

"It is currently causing us great trouble, as it is marked by the forces of evil," he said in a message read out on his behalf.

"The suffering that befell so many weak and defenseless people, the many massacred civilians and innocent victims among young people, the desperate suffering of women and children. All this disturbs our conscience," the Pope continued.

Russian President Vladimir Putin described Moscow's actions as a "special military operation" in Ukraine, designed not to occupy territory but to demilitarize and 'denazify' the country. Pope Francis has rejected the terminology, calling it war.

The Kremlin said accusations that Russian troops had committed war crimes by executing civilians in Ukraine were a "terrible fabrication" aimed at humiliating Russian soldiers.

Furthermore, the Pope, who has issued numerous calls for an end to the conflict, said it was impossible to remain indifferent and that it was necessary to "speak decisively to demand, in the name of God, an end to this heinous act."

At a pilgrimage meeting where key figures spoke, former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams echoed Peru's recent pope, for an Easter truce in the conflict.

It is known that the interfaith pilgrimage was also attended by Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and followers of other religions.

In his message, the Pope urged "government leaders, especially those who call for the sacred principles of religion," to seek peace and shun evil.

It is known that since the war began, Pope Francis has only mentioned Russia explicitly in his prayers, such as during a special global event for peace on March 25. However, he has made clear his opposition to Russia's actions, using the words invasion, aggression, and cruelty.

During a trip to Malta earlier this month, the Pope implicitly criticized President Putin for the invasion of Ukraine, saying "the authorities" are fomenting conflicts in nationalist interests.