The Ukrainian Foreign Minister was moved by Pope’s tears

Salvatore Cernuzio – Sent to kyiv (Ukraine)

Responding to questions from journalists, including the Vatican media, starting with the possibility of Pope Francis’ visit to war-torn Ukraine, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba explained that “this visit will be welcomed by a wider section of Ukrainian society, and not only by those belonging to the Greek Catholic Church, as he is a symbol of sympathy and spiritual support. We look forward to welcoming him“, he assured. In Ukraine, the minister emphasizes, many faithful to the Roman Catholic Church and the Greek Catholic Church, and more, give consideration to Pope Francis.

However, Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that on several occasions he did not understand the points of view expressed by the Sovereign Pope on the ongoing war. However, he wanted to congratulate François “for his understanding“, result of “he talks to people a lot“. “He was not influenced by concepts that did not work and did not respond to reality, but always focused on the search for truth.“, he added.

The Pope’s tears

Commenting on the moment of public emotion of Pope Francis during the prayer at the Immaculate Conception on December 8, when, broken by tears, he brought the suffering of the Ukrainian people to the feet of Mary in Piazza di Spagna, one of the main tourist . places in Rome, the Ukrainian foreign minister said he was moved: “This sympathy is very important to us and goes straight to the hearts of Ukrainians, of course we are waiting for your visit“, he said.

The call of October 2

In this interview, Dmytro Kuleba also returned to the Angelus of October 2, which essentially focused on the conflict in Ukraine, the Pope launched a strong appeal to the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, to end the conflict as soon as possible. But Francis’ simultaneous appeal to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to be open to a serious peace proposal could raise doubts that Zelensky is not open to peace, according to the Ukrainian minister. A”serious peace proposal“, he added, “is based on the territorial integrity of Ukraine“.

Communication with the Holy See

The meeting between the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Bishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary of the Holy See for Relations with States, on the occasion of the 29th meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), held on 1eh December in Poland, favoredan intensive dialogue on bilateral relations between Ukraine and the Holy See“. With war-related issues being prioritized, Dmytro Kuleba reiterated his commitment to working with the Vatican for peace.

However, the Minister insisted on clarifying some points to avoid what he considered “mistakesand that, according to him, led to false accounts. Starting with the concept ofbrotherhoodbetween Russians and Ukrainians,we always remember that Russia is the aggressor and Ukraine is the victim of aggression“, he declared.

Divisions between religions

Russia’s aggression against Ukraine ledbroken bones” within the religious world of the two countries, said Dmytro Kuleba, “not only in the Christian Catholic world, but also between Jews and Muslims“. The Minister also emphasized the great contribution of the gaze and the support that faith can give people in such a dramatic moment: “The views of confessions are above all, to comfort people, to help them spiritually. It is a fact that most people only turn to God in times of difficulty, but when things are going well, they forget about it. Today in society there is a greater need for spiritual help“.

Judgment”not acceptable“with priests blessing the war, Dmytro Kuleba hopes for more coordination”to empower people“, and for”comfort and comfort the afflicted“.

“Now is not the time for mediation”

“This war destroyed many of the foundations of the international political order.“, complained the minister. Regarding the mediation proposals made by 90% of the world’s countries since February 24, which have not yet been implemented for various reasons, he said: “The sad truth is that the time for broad mediation has not yet come. Witness “a hundred missiles fired every week to destroy the infrastructure”, the soldiers who keep coming to Donbass, the violence against the population. You don’t do all those things when you’re looking for a peaceful solution. The day of a great intercession will come, but we are not there yet, to our great repentance…“, he concluded.