VATICAN CITY, 15 MAR – ‘I am thinking of the Orthodox nuns of the Kiev Lavra. I ask warring parties to respect religious places. Consecrated nuns, people consecrated to prayer of any denomination are the support of God’s people’. The Pope said it at the general audience. In recent days, Patriarch Kirill had appealed to the Pope to avoid the expulsion of the religious of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church who remained faithful to Moscow from the disputed Monastery of the Caves in Kiev. The Pope then concluded the general audience by asking for a prayer for “the martyred Ukrainian people”. “I urge all of you to continue your Lenten itinerary with commitment, entrusting you to the constant protection of Mary. To her, Consoler of the afflicted and Queen of peace, we also entrust the martyred Ukrainian people,” said Pope Francis. (HANDLE).
(ANSA)
