Pope Francis appealed to Ukrainian youth to remember their heroes, forgive their enemies and “resist the instinct to answer a blow with another blow.” About this informs Vatican News.
“Forgiving is very difficult. We always try to wage war and strike back with another blow. But to build a peaceful future, we must forgive each other. Always.” – Pope Francis said.
The pontiff took part in a video conference with 250 young Ukrainians from Kyiv and various European and American cities. The event, held in the Patriarchal Cathedral in Kyiv, was organized by Apostolic Nuncio Visvaldas Kulbokas and Archbishop Svyatoslav Shevchuk. During the meeting, the Pope answered the questions of the youth, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness, despite all the difficulties caused by the war.
“All young people have a mission when there are difficulties in the country, in the homeland, the youth have the duty to carry the “spirit of the homeland”. Today, the mission of young Ukrainians is to be patriots. And you should not hide from all the problems you have, from the war. Be patriots, love your Motherland! Now your Motherland is wounded by war. But loving the Motherland. This is a beautiful thing.” Francis noted.
Answering a question about the war and its devastating consequences, the Pope noted that “the only way is dialogue”:
“Dialogue always, dialogue between us, even with those who are against us. Please do not get tired of dialogue. Peace is built through dialogue. It is true that sometimes it is impossible because of the stubbornness of some, but always make an effort.”
