Catholic bishops in Europe have issued a powerful statement reaffirming their unwavering support for Ukraine and its people because the Russian-Ukraine war enters a recent phase of “geopolitical complexity and uncertainty”.
The Presidency of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) expressed its deep solidarity with Ukrainians affected by “Russia’s unjustifiable full-scale invasion”, now in its third 12 months.
COMECE prolonged prayers to “all those that have lost their lives, those that have been wounded, those that have needed to flee their homes in fear, those that proceed to defend their homeland”.
While commending the EU and its Member States for his or her sustained humanitarian, political, economic, and military support, the bishops also acknowledged the contributions of civil society, faith-based organisations, and residents who’ve offered aid and refuge to those affected by the conflict.
“Ukraine’s struggle for peace and the defence of its territorial integrity shouldn’t be only a fight for its own future. Its end result can even be decisive for the fate of the whole European continent and a free and democratic world,” the bishops emphasised.
COMECE condemned Russia’s invasion as “a blatant violation of international law”, stressing that attempts to vary national borders through force and the “atrocities” committed against civilians should be met with “justice and accountability.”
While advocating for a negotiated peace, the bishops underscored that any “credible and sincere” diplomatic efforts should be founded on “strong transatlantic and global solidarity” and be certain that Ukraine, as “the victim of aggression”, plays a central role in any dialogue.
The statement stressed that a “sustainable and just” peace accord must “fully respect international law” and include “effective security guarantees” to impede future conflict.
It also called for the peace agreement to enable Ukrainian families “reunite again and live life in dignity, security, and freedom of their sovereign and independent homeland.”
The bishops asserted that ensuring long-term reconciliation also requires protecting and upholding “the rights of all communities, including the Russian-speaking minority”.
Recognising the huge destruction brought on by the war, COMECE urged the international community to support Ukraine’s reconstruction, stating, “Russia, because the aggressor, must adequately take part in this effort.”
In response to Ukraine’s aspirations for EU membership, the bishops encouraged the EU to proceed its enlargement process “in a timely and fair manner”, not just for Ukraine but for other candidate countries as well.
As the worldwide security landscape shifts, they expressed hope that the EU would remain “a promise of peace and an anchor of stability” within the region and beyond.
As Christians enter the Lenten season, COMECE called on believers “to entrust Ukraine and Europe to our Lord Jesus Christ”.
