CV NEWS FEED // The president of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) issued a statement March 4, expressing support for Ukraine and urging for global solidarity and peace amid the ongoing conflict.
“Amid deepening geopolitical complexities and the unpredictability of actions taken by some members of the international community, we call on the European Union and its member States to remain united in their commitment to supporting Ukraine and its people,” said Bishop Mariano Crociata, president of the COMECE, according to CatholicNews, the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference’s news outlet.
Bishop Crociata said the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine was unjustified, and described the invasion as “a blatant violation of international law.”
“The use of force to alter national borders and the atrocious acts committed against the civilian population are not only unjustifiable,” Bishop Crociata wrote, “but demand a consequent pursuit of justice and accountability.”
The bishop also urged for “strong transatlantic and global solidarity” amid negotiations, stating that sincere dialogue is key to lasting peace for Ukraine.
“In order to be sustainable and just,” Bishop Crociata wrote, “a future peace accord must fully respect international law and be underpinned by effective security guarantees to prevent the conflict from re-erupting.”
Bishop Crociata conveyed appreciation to the many European Union officials for their support of Ukraine. He praised them “for providing unprecedented humanitarian, political, economic, financial as well as military support to Ukraine and its people over the past years.” He also said that both the international community and Russia should support Ukraine in reconstructing destroyed infrastructure.
“In response to Ukraine’s quest for a future within the European Union and to its pertinent reform endeavours,” he wrote, “we call on the EU to advance with the enlargement process in a timely and fair manner alongside other candidate countries.”
In his conclusion, Bishop Crociata emphasized the importance of continuing to trust in Jesus, especially in light of the Lenten season.
“As Christians prepare to embark on the journey of Lent,” Bishop Crociata wrote, “a time of repentance and conversion leading to Easter, the feast of hope and new life, we continue to entrust Ukraine and Europe to our Lord Jesus Christ, through the intercession of Mary, the Queen of Peace.”
>>US bishops urge Catholics to support Ukraine through prayer, aid this Lent<<
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