In The Picture — 1 March 2022

UKRAINE

St Mary’s University College endorses the message of Pope Francis, outlined below, as it applies to the present situation in Ukraine.

The College also supports the ‘Statement on War in Ukraine’ from the Executive Committee of Justice and Peace Europe of which Bishop Noel Treanor, (Chairperson of St Mary’s University College Board of Governors), is the President.

Executive Committee of Justice and Peace Europe Statement on War in Ukraine

Executive Committee of Justice and Peace Europe calls for Peace and an Immediate Ceasefire in Ukraine

After the brutal invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops on 24 February 2022,

we condemn the Russian aggression as a serious violation to international law and as a threat to peace in Europe,

we express our support and solidarity with Ukraine and its suffering people,

we request all European governments to support the neighbouring countries of Ukraine in their efforts to welcome and accommodate refugees,

we ask the European Union, its member states and all European governments to stay united and to put in place an even harsher sanctions regime against the Russian authorities,

we admire the courage of Russian citizens who, despite all sorts of repressions, bravely take to the streets to protest against their government in the name of peace,

we implore his Holiness Patriarch Kirill and all Orthodox authorities in Russia to intervene with the political leadership in order to obtain an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of all Russian troops from the Ukraine territory,

we support the call of Pope Francis for a day of fast and prayer for peace in Ukraine on Ash Wednesday (2 March),

we hope and work for a new culture of peace in Europe, remembering in our prayers all civilian and military victims and their families.

Executive Committee of Justice and Peace Europe.

Bishop Noel Treanor, President of Justice and Peace Europe