Vatican City: New York’s Archbishop Cardinal Timothy Dolan has warned that evil still exists in the world, and that evil will haunt us forever if we do not return to God’s law, the recognition of good and evil, and the values of God’s Word. He made the remarks in an interview with Vatican News before visiting Ukrainian refugees, referring to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
‘The fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union gave the impression that an era of peace had arrived. But the world now understands that evil still exists. This is clear to all except Russian President Putin and his generals. He added that Russia’s war in Ukraine was a “malicious abuse of power and an illegal use of force.”
‘I still do not understand why Russia, which is so vast, wants other territories. Although Ukraine shares some aspects of its culture with its neighbors, including Russia, Ukraine is an independent and autonomous country. No other culture can trample on, destroy or take over its own culture, ‘he said.
He expressed concern about the possibility of further escalation of the current war and praised Pope Francis’ efforts to restore peace in the region. The pope’s moral voice is strong and effective. The pope’s intervention helped to make the world aware that the current war is a moral issue. Moreover, the Pope’s words strengthen us to understand how the spiritual power, faith and hope of prayer can help people to move forward in these issues as well.
Cardinal Dolan is visiting the Ukrainian border as chairman of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association, an organization founded by Pope Pius XI to help the persecuted Eastern Churches. The aim is to visit and support refugees who have fled for their lives. He explained his plans to visit Poland, Slovakia and Hungary, and expressed his desire to cross the border into Ukraine if possible.
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