Pope Francis called for peace in the Ukraine as tensions have reached an all time high in the conflict.
The Holy Father made his appeal after the recitation of the Angelus on Sunday in St. Peter’s Square.
“I ask you to continue to pray for Ukraine, which finds itself in a delicate situation. While it is my wish that the citizens of the country strive to overcome misunderstandings and to build the future of the nation together, I make a heartfelt appeal to the international community to support every initiative on behalf of dialogue and harmony,” the Pope said.
The new Ukrainian government has begun to mobilize its armed forces as Russian President Vladimir Putin received permission from Parliament to use military force to protect Russian citizens in the Crimean region.
World leaders condemned Russia’s actions as an act of aggression against a sovereign country. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to travel to Kiev on Tuesday in a show of support for the new Ukrainian government. (J.A.E.)
