Vatican City.- In an unusual joint statement, the Cardinals, gathered in general congregation before the start of the conclave that must choose the successor of Pope Francis, issued a Urgent called for peace in the world. The statement, released by the Holy See, expresses “With regret” that there have been no advances in peace processes in Ukraine, in the Middle East and in “so many other parts of the world”.
“On the contrary,” the sloping adds – the attacks have intensified, especially to the detriment of the civilian population. ” Faced with this panorama, the cardinals urged all parties involved to reach “as soon as possible the permanent fire” and to negotiate peace “without previous conditions or greater delays”. They also invited the faithful to Intensify “Supplica to the Lord for a fair and lasting peace”.
The calls to end conflicts in the world were a constant during the pontificate of Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025 at age 88. In his last message on the occasion of the traditional blessing City and the World (To the city of Rome and the world), pronounced the eve of his death, the Argentine pontiff denounced “The dramatic and unworthy humanitarian crisis” in Gaza and asked for a cessation of fire, while extending His concern to the situation in Yemen, in the “martyred Ukraine” and in the Democratic Republic of the Congoamong other countries.
The pronouncement of the cardinals coincides with a critical moment for peace efforts in Ukraine. After more than three years of war, the front lines remain practically frozen since the end of 2023, and Diplomatic initiatives have not achieved substantial advances.
The so -called “Paris format”, which brings together representatives of Ukraine, Russia, the United States and the European Union (EU), had its last formal meeting in April in the French capital. Although mutual trust measures were explored, such as exchanges of prisoners and demilitarized areas, Moscow and kyiv still do not agree on the terms of a possible fire.
Russian President Vladimir Putin unilaterally decreed a truce from May 8 to 10 in Ukrainebut the announcement was received with skepticism from kyiv and tense even more the climate prior to the military parade of Victory day in Moscow. The Kremlin warned Tuesday that the Russian army will respond “immediately” in case of a Ukrainian attack during the pause in the fighting.
In the Middle East, the conflict between Israel and the hutis militias of Yemen has opened a new front of tension. The recent joint attack by Israel and the United States against Huti positions, in retaliation for the launch of a missile that hit Ben Gurion airport, marks a dangerous regional escalation.
Meanwhile, The situation in Gaza remains critical. Despite the mediation efforts of Egypt, Qatar and the United States, a durable agreement has not been reached between Israel and the Hamas terrorist group from the high temporary fire of the late 2024. The attempts to resume negotiations in Cairo in recent weeks did not prosper, partly due to mutual distrust and internal political pressures on both sides.
Although traditionally reserved for spiritual issues, the general congregations prior to the conclave also serve as a platform for the cardinals to reflect on the great challenges facing the world. The statement released by the Holy See reflects a growing concern for the humanitarian impact of prolonged conflicts and by the apparent paralysis of international diplomatic efforts.
AFP Agency
