Vatican City: Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican, gave hope to the Ukrainian people who are going through the terrible days of the war. He encouraged the Ukrainian people with the words that there is no situation that Christ cannot raise, and he prayed for an end to the war. The cardinal’s words were in the middle of the Mass offered at the Basilica of Santa Maria Major in Rome in connection with the 30th anniversary of Ukraine-Vatican diplomatic relations.
‘There is no situation that the Spirit of God cannot lift. He can turn even a desert into a flourishing garden. Among the ruins are ways of reconstruction. God wants everyone to live in harmony, not to destroy each other, but to help each other. A real human brotherhood is God’s dream.’ Delivering the said message, he prayed to the Spirit of God to put an end to armed conflict.
Requesting that no one should fall prey to enmity, the cardinal also explained the true meaning of Christ’s words, ‘Repentance should be shown.’ ‘These are words that break the hearts of those who are victims of injustice. But they are not an invitation to succumb to injustice. On the contrary, he is saying that there should be a mind to stop violence. It is Christ’s invitation to be vigilant against the evil that grows in us and not to be enraged, the cardinal explained.
If it is right to protect us from those who wish to destroy us, it is even more right to protect us from enmity. He added that when evil grows within us, we cannot stop the evil outside. Referring to the Pope’s constant appeals for peace in Ukraine, the cardinal added that the Vatican will continue its efforts in this regard. Diplomats and representatives from more than 60 countries were present at the Mass.