People fleeing the conflict from neighboring Ukraine, arrive at the border crossing in Medyka, southeastern Poland, on Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)
As the number of refugees fleeing the country passed 1.5 million over the weekend, the pope emphasized the need for international cooperation and humanitarian assistance.
Francis repeated his “heartfelt appeal” for the creation of humanitarian corridors, capable of bringing people safely from one country to the other without falling into the traps of smugglers and human traffickers. The pope praised countries like Poland that have made concerted efforts to welcome and integrate Ukrainians.
“Above all, I implore that the armed attacks cease and that negotiation — and common sense — prevail. And that international law be respected once again!” the pope said.
Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, the head of the Greek Catholic Church in the Ukraine, which is loyal to Rome, praised the pope’s recognition of the war. “Today Ukraine is standing. Ukraine is fighting,” the archbishop said from Kyiv, where “vicious battles” are tearing through the suburbs.
As the United Nations estimates that nearly 1.5 million Ukrainians are fleeing their homeland, Shevchuk also underscored the need to secure safe passage for refugees who, despite the commitments of world nations and political leaders, are struggling to escape.
“Today we ask the world community: ‘Clear the sky over Ukraine!’” he said.
This article originally appeared here.
