Pope Francis appeals to young Ukrainians: ‘Be patriots, reject war, forgive’

Pope Francis appealed to young Ukrainians around the world, urging them towards forgiveness, despite the ongoing war, in a video conference he hosted on Saturday.  

The gathering, described by Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk as "the first meeting in history between the Pope of Rome and young Ukrainians," took place in the Cathedral of the Resurrection in Kyiv. Some participants, based in other European cities or in North America, joined in via video call.  

In his address to the war-ravaged nation, the Pope urged Ukrainians to remain patriotic and love their country, but also to embrace forgiveness rather than revenge. "Remember the heroes who have given their lives for your country," he said, “Your homeland is wounded by war, but love it.”  

He also encouraged Ukrainians to turn towards faith in their time of need, raising the example of Oleksandr, a young soldier who had gone to fight on the front with a copy of the gospels in his pocket, and who lost his life in the fighting.  

"Oleksandr is one of you," said Pope Francis, describing him as “a young man who gave his life for peace.” He held up a rosary that had once belonged to the young soldier, adding that he prays with it every day.  

The Pope also heard testimonies from several of the Ukrainians present at the conference. One of them, a 27-year-old woman named Julia, expressed anguish at the thought of cities being destroyed, and the lives of her people with them. She referred to the ongoing war as a “genocide” against Ukrainians.  

Responding to her, Francis condemned the destruction and devastation of war, saying "War brings famine. Every evening, I call the parish in Gaza, and they tell me they often go hungry. War not only causes famine - it kills." 

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