Pope Francis finally speaks truth about "absurd, crazy Russian war" against Ukraine 

I am convinced that majority of Ukrainian Greek Catholics have been waiting for Pope Francis' letter to Ukrainian people since the first day of "great war". Just as they were waiting for Pope's visit to Ukraine, so that he would see great evil that Russian aggression brought to our land. Not just Putin's aggression, but aggression of Russian Federation as a state.

After nine months of suffering, sacrifices and great grief, Ukrainians waited for Pope to speak the truth about "absurd, crazy war" and fate of children. Death of Kira from Odesa and Lisa from Vinnytsia became a symbol. We sincerely believe in the words of Pope about his compassion for all Ukrainian people, in particular women and people of older generation, volunteers and pastors, refugees and internally displaced persons.

Francis separately addressed the youth: "to courageously defend your homeland, you were forced to take up arms, abandoning the dreams of the future that you cherished; I think of you, wives who have lost their husbands and, gritting their teeth, silently, with dignity and with determination you continue to sacrifice everything for your children".

Recalling 90th anniversary of Holodomor genocide, Pope noted that he admires our good zeal. "World has discovered brave and strong people who suffer and pray, cry and fight, resist and hope, long-suffering and noble people," he emphasized.

Very important statements that will be heard in the world. Two days ago, commenting on Pope's earlier words about Holodomor genocide and current extermination of Ukrainian people, liberal American newspaper the New York Times noted that Francis has significantly changed his rhetoric regarding war in Ukraine.

This is true, and great credit goes to His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Head of Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, who visited Rome and Vatican in early November. He met with Pope and their conversation was certainly heartfelt, but also frank.

Just as frank were conversations of His Beatitude Sviatoslav with the officials of Roman Curia.

It is worth noting that Head of the UGCC was accompanied by Metropolitan Borys Gudziak of Philadelphia, Apostolic Exarch in Germany and Scandinavia, Bishop Bohdan Dzyurach, and Exarch of UGCC in Odesa, Bishop Mykhailo Bubnii.

At the end of his letter to Ukrainian people, Pope writes: "I am with you, I pray for you and I ask you to pray for me."

I am sure that millions of Ukrainian Greek Catholics will fulfill this request sincerely and with a sense of gratitude for Pope's words, testimony and help, especially during release of our prisoners.

About the author: Mykola Knyazhytskyi, Ukrainian parliament member, journalist.

The editors do not always share opinions expressed by the authors of the blogs.