Pope Condemns Russian Invasion, Warns Of Rising Nuclear Threats

Pope Francis has condemned Russia’s war in Ukraine, Iran’s treatment of protestors, and the destruction of government facilities in Brazil by supporters of the country’s far-right ex-president.

The pope’s speech to ambassadors accredited to the Vatican on Monday is known colloquially as the “state of the world” address. Typically, it emphasizes the Holy See’s main areas of concern.

Here are some crucial remarks from the Catholic Church’s leader:

The pope denounced the “wake of death and destruction” caused by Russia’s nearly-year-long offensive in Ukraine, describing the war as “a crime against God and humanity”.

He said attacks on civilian infrastructure were causing deaths “not only from gunfire and acts of violence but also from hunger and freezing cold.”

“Every act of war directed to the indiscriminate destruction of whole cities or vast areas with their inhabitants is a crime against God and humanity which merits firm and unequivocal condemnation,” Francis said.

The pope also warned of a rising nuclear threat which evoked memories of the Cuban missile crisis in 1962.

Francis said the world “once more feels fear and anguish” and called for a total ban on nuclear weapons.

In a broader comment on women’s rights globally, the pope said women in many countries are still treated as “second-class citizens”.

“They are subjected to violence and abuse, and are denied the opportunity to study, work, employ their talents, and have access to health care and even to food,” Francis said.

The comment on education could refer to the Afghan Taliban’s recent move against women who want to study at the university level.

( Al Jazeera)