South American bishops’ letter on the war in Ukraine

197

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God-Matthew 5:9

To all men and women of goodwill:

Once again the world looks on in horroras nations rise on war foot.

Once again we watch in awe as the dreams and aspirations for peace and freedom of thousands of children, young people and adults are shattered.

Fear, the result of an uncertain future, invades the hearts of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters.

As bishops of the Church of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we urge leaders of nations to build peace, to find peaceful solutions to their differences, and to lay down hatred and barbarism.

We strongly urge them to aspire for unity of peoples.

We call on Christians to pray without ceasing for peace in Ukraine and the world this Sunday, February 27.

And dedicate March 2, with Ash Wednesday and beginning of Lent, to fast and pray for the endof the armed conflict.

Remember the promise that says that “The Lord will judge between the nations and decide the disputes of numerous peoples. They will turn their swords into plowshares and their spears into slingshot. No people will ever again take up arms against another nor be instructed for war. » (Isaiah 2:4)

May the Lord pour out His peace and blessing upon this earth,

Nick Drayson – Bishop of Argentina

Jorge Luis Aguilar – Bishop of Peru

Raphael Samuel – Bishop of Bolivia

Matthew Alto – Bishop of Argentina

Crisanto Rojas – Bishop of Argentina

Daniel Genovesi – Bishop of Uruguay

Brian Williams – Bishop of Argentina

26 Feb 2022