Prayers for just peace in Ukraine held at Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi

As reported by the Embassy of Ukraine to the Holy See and the Order of Malta, this Mass continued a series of prayer initiatives organized in commemoration of the fourth anniversary of the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.

Ambassador Andrii Yurash noted, "The event was especially significant due to the prayers offered before the open relics of St. Francis of Assisi, which were displayed for public veneration for the first time since their discovery in 1818. This exhibition also marks the 800th anniversary of his death, taking place from February 22 to March 22."

The service was led by Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, the president of the Italian Episcopal Conference and a special representative of the Holy See for Ukraine. In his sermon, he strongly condemned all wars that aim for the deliberate destruction of entire cities, stating that "this is a crime against God and humanity." The cardinal emphasized that the world today is in urgent need of light and hope, and that true peace cannot be achieved without justice: "Peace imposed solely by the superiority of force is false. If you want peace, work for justice."

In his prayer for Ukraine, Cardinal Zuppi called for an end to violence and the opening of channels for dialogue: "May the rumble of bombs cease, may weapons fall silent, and may spaces for dialogue open up where the voices of the people can be heard."

Representatives of the Ukrainian clergy participated in the prayer event, including Bishop Hryhoriy Komar, the Apostolic Administrator of the Exarchate of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Italy; Robert Lyseiko, Protoarchimandrite of the OSBM; Fr. Josyf Mykyta, Vice-Rector of the Pontifical Ukrainian College of St. Josaphat; and Fr. Vasyl Hushuvaty, Head of the Roman Deanery of the UGCC and parish priest of the Ukrainian community in Perugia.

The event was also attended by a delegation from the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, Ukrainian pilgrims, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See, and Roman Catholic clergy.

Fr. Marco Moroni, head of the Franciscan monastic community that oversees the entire complex, welcomed those gathered in the upper church of the Basilica of St. Francis with a speech.

In his speech, Ambassador Andrii Yurash highlighted the symbolic importance of the joint prayer in Assisi, the city of St. Francis, which has represented peace and unity for centuries. He emphasized that the Ukrainian people put their hope in the power of prayer and the intercession of St. Francis, aspiring for a just peace to prevail in Ukraine as soon as possible.

After the Mass, attendees had the opportunity to visit the lower church of the basilica, where the relics of St. Francis are currently kept and displayed for public veneration.