Zelensky shared on X platform (formerly Twitter), “We discussed our joint work to put Ukraine’s Peace Formula into action.” “Over 80 countries are already involved in this process at the level of their representatives (of their governments). And there will be more of them,” he added emphasizing the growing international involvement in the initiative.

Expressing gratitude for the Christmas wishes extended by the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Zelensky highlighted the Pope’s desire for “a just peace for all of us.”

Further plans for Ukraine’s peace formula include discussions at Davos, Switzerland, with specific details on timing yet to be confirmed.

Supporting the peace initiatives, Pope Francis appointed Cardinal Matteo Zuppi as a special envoy to engage with key stakeholders in Kyiv, Moscow, Washington, and Beijing.

In his recent Christmas address, the Pope reiterated the call to end armed conflicts worldwide, highlighting the significance of pursuing peace in regions like Ukraine and the Middle East, stressing the attainability of peace and the necessity to persist in its pursuit.

Notably, Zelensky previously extended an invitation to Pope Francis to visit Kyiv. Their interaction dates back to May when the Ukrainian President visited the Vatican and held discussions with the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Source: ANA-MPA, Article translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas

I just had a call with @Pontifex Pope Francis.

I expressed my gratitude to His Holiness for his Christmas greetings to Ukraine and Ukrainians, as well as his wishes for a just peace for all of us.

We discussed our joint work to put Ukraine’s Peace Formula into action. Over 80… pic.twitter.com/212O8mN8dt

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 28, 2023

“I want to be buried in this church because of my great faith,” said Francis. “Travel needs to be reviewed, but as you get older you mature, it’s nice. Sometimes I am told that I am not aware of the situation because I want to move, to do things. I think it’s a good thing,” he added.

Referring to his eventual resignation and to the letter of resignation which he has signed and delivered to the former Prime Minister of the Vatican, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone – if it ever needs to be used – Francis added: “I haven’t thought about it yet. I saw Benedict’s courage, when he realized that he could not cope, he preferred to say “enough” and this for me works positively, as an example. I ask the Lord to say “no”, at some point, but when He wishes”.

In relation, moreover, to the new Argentine president Javier Millay, his compatriot and holy father of Catholics stated: “We have to distinguish between what a politician says during the election period and what he will actually do afterwards. Because then comes the moment of decisions and concrete action.”

Pope Francis confirmed, finally, that after the death of Pope Benedict, his internal enemies became tougher and revealed that “his relationship with Benedict was particularly close and he often sought his opinion and advice.”

“May the noise of weapons, which brings only death and destruction, be able to cease, and may governments, as well as religious leaders, always seek the path of dialogue and reconciliation,” among other things, wrote Pope Francis in his message.

At the same time, Francis emphasized that “the example of Pope Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras shows us that the steps towards the re-establishment of full communion among the Lord’s disciples are characterized by personal contact and the time they spend together.”

The Pope concluded in his message that what everyone remembers, almost sixty years after their meeting is “the warm embrace” of the two religious leaders and “the mutual recognition of ecclesiastical brotherhood,” from which “the journey of reconciliation began, increasing closeness to overcome the obstacles that still prevent full and visible communion between Catholics and Orthodox.”

Regrettably, the Pope has accepted the medical advice, and as a result, his scheduled trip was canceled, as stated in the official communiqué. Last Saturday, Pope Francis showed flu symptoms, leading to the immediate cancellation of his meetings. Additionally, he refrained from blessing the assembled crowd in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.

The Pope has not cancelled the rest of his meetings today and he is expected to be tested for a virus. As is well known, the pope suffers from chronic illnesses and has undergone intestinal surgery. He seemed visibly fatigued and breathless today.

In his written address, the pontiff appeals to the Lord “to help the faithful to promote dialogue” and not to give in “to the temptation of revenge and the insanity of the hatred of war.”

The Vatican spokesperson, Matteo Bruni,  said earlier that Pope Francis had “a bit of a cold”.

“He preferred to greet the European rabbis individually, and that’s why he handed over his speech. But his planned activities for Monday are expected to continue as usual,” Bruni added.

The building—affiliated with the church, which is one the oldest churches in Gaza—has collapsed in the explosion, caused by Israeli missile strikes, according to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate.

Reports from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate indicate a large number of people injured—some seriously injured—among refugees Christians and Muslim families who were taking shelter in the church, located adjacent to the destroyed building.

“Unlike reports of a similar attack a week ago, this one has been confirmed by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in a statement,” said Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC general secretary. “Our prayers go out for healing to all those wounded, along with our condolences to Patriarch Theophilos II and all our Greek Orthodox brothers and sisters in Christ.”

Pillay said: “We condemn this unconscionable attack on a sacred compound and call upon the world community to enforce protections in Gaza for sanctuaries of refuge, including hospitals, schools, and houses of worship.”

In a statement released 19 October, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem stressed that “targeting churches and its affiliated institutions, in addition to the shelters they provide to protect innocent citizens, especially children and women who lost their homes as a result of the Israeli bombing of residential areas during the past thirteen days, constitutes a war crime that cannot be ignored.”

The statement continues: “The Patriarchate indicated that despite the clear exposure to the facilities and shelters of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and other churches, the Baptist Hospital, schools and other social institutions, it, along with the rest of the churches, is determined to continue performing its religious and moral duty by providing assistance, support and shelter to people who need it, even amid the demands. The Israeli side continues to evacuate civilians from these institutions, and the pressures exerted on the churches in this regard.”

Pillay said, “we are pleased that the Patriarchate is not deterred by the current circumstances and will continue to offer support, care, and ministry to all people who are suffering the disastrous effects of war and violence. We pray for continued strength and hope and that all the powers that be will work towards an immediate cessation of the continued attacks on innocent civilians, and above all dialogue for just peace in Palestine and Israel.”

Source: oikoumene.org

“The casualties are increasing and the situation in Gaza is desperate. Please do everything possible to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe,” he stressed.

In his weekly address to the faithful in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope did not directly refer to the strike on a Gaza hospital, for which Israel and the Palestinians blame each other. This killed hundreds of Palestinians and sparked protests of anger in the Muslim world.

“The possible widening of the conflict is worrying at a time when many conflicts are already taking place in the world. Silence the weapons. Listen to the cry of the poor, the people, the children, for peace,” the pope said.

“War does not solve any problem, it only sows death and destruction, increases hatred, multiplies revenge. War erases the future,” he added.

“I urge all people of faith to take “just one side in this conflict: that of peace,” he stressed.

Pope Francis said that he would officiate at a special prayer for peace in St. Peter’s Basilica at 18:00 (19:00 Greek time) on October 27.

This day will be “a day of fasting, prayer, repentance”, he added and called on all Christians, believers of other religions and those who care about peace in the world to participate.

“At this point, attempts are being made to talk with those who keep lines of communication open,” he added.

“The release of Israeli hostages and the protection of innocent lives in Gaza is the key challenge caused by the attack of Hamas and the response of the Israeli army. This is the main concern of all of us; the Pope and international community,” Cardinal Pietro Parolin stressed.

The primate of the Roman Catholic Church uttered this remark – which was not part of the written text – during a homily to Catholic young people at a gathering in St. Petersburg that was boradcast live on Friday.

In response, the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – a country where the vast majority of its inhabitants are Catholics – invited the Apostolic Nuncio to have “a discussion” after the return of the archbishop from the holiday, a spokesman for the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said today.

The Vatican said yesterday that Pope Francis had no intention of praising Russian imperialism in his homily. However, he praised the Russian emperors Peter the Great and Catherine II who expanded the Russian empire in his homily.

The territories of Lithuania and Poland were annexed to the Russian Empire in the 18th century by Catherine II. The countries broke away from the Russian Empire after the First World War, following two revolts in the 19th century against the empire.

Francis’ intention was “to preserve and promote everything positive in the great Russian cultural and spiritual heritage,” the Vatican noted.

Ukraine, which was once part of the same empire, stressed that the pope’s remark was “extremely regrettable.” The Kremlin spoke of “very pleasant” statements.

Lithuania, with a population of 2.8 million, three-quarters of whom identify as Roman Catholics, is a fierce critic of Russia and a supporter of Ukraine. They are in favour of Ukraine joining both the European Union and NATO.

The Catholic Church continues to be respected in the country for its anti-communist, pro-independence stance during the time the Baltic country was part of the Soviet Union. During this period, the Vatican maintained the Lithuanian diplomatic representation in the Holy See as it did not recognize the annexation.

Pope Francis officiated in front of about 100,000 people in Lithuania during his visit in 2018.