Pope Francis this Sunday urged the faithful to pray for peace in Ukraine, which has been hit by “death and destruction” following Russia’s recent attack on the Ukrainian city of Odessa, which left at least two people dead and 22 injured.
“Let’s continue to pray for the world, especially for our beloved Ukraine, which continues to bring death and destruction, as it unfortunately happened in Odessa,” the head of the Catholic Church called in front of thousands of believers who gathered in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican for the Sunday Angelus prayer.
Last night, Russia fired 19 rockets into the port city of Odessa, destroying civilian infrastructure, houses and cars, and damaging the local cathedral, one of the most important Orthodox churches.
Ukraine vowed to take revenge.
The two countries have been at war for more than a year after Russian troops invaded Ukraine in a move condemned by the international community.