|
"Let us think of the many children in Ukraine who suffer, suffer
so much, because of this war," he said in unprepared remarks at
the end of his weekly general audience in the Vatican.
The pope has been making appeals for Ukraine at nearly every
public appearance, usually at least twice weekly, since Russia
invaded its neighbour in February.
"The majority of those that I have seen here can't manage to
smile," he said, referring to Ukrainian children who have found
shelter in Rome with Italian families and charities.
"It is grave when a child loses the capacity to smile. These
children carry within themselves the tragedy of that war, so
inhumane, so harsh. Let us think of the Ukrainian people this
Christmas - without electricity, without heating, without the
essential things they need to survive," he said.
Russia has been pounding Ukraine's energy infrastructure since
October, destroying or damaging half of it.
Last week the pope urged people to spend less on Christmas
celebrations and gifts this year and send the difference to
Ukrainians to help them get through the hunger and cold of
winter.
The Vatican has also launched a crowdfunding campaign to send
thermal underwear to Ukraine.
Countries in Europe and beyond are working to supply
transformers, switches and cables as well as diesel generators
needed to light and heat the country in winter.
(Reporting by Philip Pullella; editing by Barbara Lewis)
[© 2022 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2022 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
|
|
