Vatican City, Aug 23, 2015 / 06:57 am
On Sunday the Holy Father again pleaded for peace in Ukraine as the nation faces ongoing cease-fire violations in a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives since early last year.
"With concern, I am following the conflict in eastern Ukraine, which has again worsened in recent weeks," the pontiff said Aug. 23 during his weekly Angelus address.
"I renew my appeal that the commitments undertaken to bring about peace may be respected, and with the help of organizations and persons of good will, they might respond to the humanitarian emergency of the country."
The Pope made these remarks from the papal palace to pilgrims and visitors gathered in Saint Peter's Square, one day ahead of Ukraine's national Independence Day.