COMECE members
Agency report
European Bishops have issued a strong appeal to Russia to immediately suspend hostilities against Ukraine, and urge all parties to work towards a solution to the conflict.
The appeal was contained in a statement issued at the end of the 2022 Autumn Plenary Assembly of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE).
They appealed directly to Russia to suspend hostilities against Ukraine.
The appeal also came in the wake of “and in full communion” with Pope Francis’ reiterated pleas and prayers for peace in Europe which gives voice to the appeal and concerns of EU Bishops, and expresses their closeness to the suffering people of Ukraine.
The EU Bishops said they feel deep sadness for “the horrific human suffering inflicted on the people of Ukraine by the brutal military aggression initiated by the Russian authorities”, stressing that recent actions may “risk a further expansion of the war with disastrous consequences for humanity.”
The bishops also urged “all parties to open themselves up to negotiation of ‘serious proposals’ for a just peace, to work towards a solution to the conflict, which respects international law and the territorial integrity of Ukraine.”
“And they convey the closeness of their Dioceses to “the millions of refugees and to all those who suffer because of this madness of war.”The statement added.
Credit: Vatican News
