Three Years of Courage and Suffering in Ukraine

Today marks three years since Putin's Russia began its full-scale genocidal invasion of Ukraine. We stand with this long-suffering nation in prayer and penance, and with the determination that the leaders of our nation and the nations of the world will not be deceived by the lies of Russian propaganda.

May the Lord grant a just, secure, and lasting peace for the people of Ukraine. Saint Michael, patron of Kyiv, protect all those who dwell in this beautiful land and pray for the conversion of their enemies. Jesus, through Mary, have mercy on us all.

In the written text of yesterday’s Angelus address that Pope Francis released (in lieu of the usual live presentation which his ongoing hospitalization prevented), the Holy Father noted “the third anniversary of the large-scale war against Ukraine: a painful and shameful occasion for the whole of humanity! As I reiterate my closeness to the suffering Ukrainian people, I invite you to remember the victims of all armed conflicts, and to pray for the gift of peace in Palestine, Israel and throughout the Middle East, Myanmar, Kivu [in D.R.C.], and Sudan.”