Pope Francis has urged the global community to pray for an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine, following a recent missile strike on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra on June 15.
The Pope expressed his sorrow over the escalating conflict, highlighting the tragic loss of innocent lives, including rescuers, and the destruction of churches and cultural heritage sites. He stated, “Painful news continues to arrive regarding the war in Ukraine, which is still expanding. Many innocent victims, killed rescuers, churches, and cultural heritage sites have been destroyed by fire.”
In his message, Pope Francis conveyed his solidarity with the wounded and those mourning their loved ones, as well as with those who continue to serve life amid violence. He implored, “I ask everyone to pray for this war to end. Let us ask the Lord to open paths for dialogue, extinguish hatred, and enable a just and lasting peace.”
Details surrounding the attack on the Lavra indicate that on the night of June 15, Russia launched a massive assault on Kyiv, deploying 60 missiles and drones. One of the targeted sites was the Assumption Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The strike resulted in a fire after a drone hit the roof of the cathedral.
Emergency services managed to extinguish the blaze quickly; however, the cathedral sustained damage, affecting its iconostasis, wall paintings, and frescoes.
Pope Francis has called for prayers to end the war in Ukraine, emphasizing the human cost of the conflict following a missile strike on a historic site in Kyiv. The attack on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra has raised concerns over the ongoing destruction of cultural heritage amid the war.