Cardinal Zuppi Says Peace Built Only on Military Power Cannot Bring Justice in Ukraine
Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi called for renewed efforts toward dialogue and reconciliation as the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, warning that peace achieved solely through military force cannot bring lasting stability. The Archbishop of Bologna and President of the Italian Bishops Conference delivered his remarks while presiding over a Mass for peace at the Upper Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi. The prayer gathering was organized with the support of the Ukrainian Embassy to the Holy See and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and coincided with the public exhibition of the relics of Saint Francis during commemorations marking the eight hundredth anniversary of the saint’s death.
The liturgy brought together members of the Ukrainian community along with pilgrims from different countries who joined in prayer for peace in Ukraine and throughout the world. Cardinal Zuppi reflected on the spiritual legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi, describing the medieval friar as a universal brother who continues to inspire reconciliation and solidarity. He stressed that the world today faces a moment of deep uncertainty marked by conflict and division and therefore requires renewed hope and moral clarity. According to the cardinal the pursuit of peace cannot be separated from a commitment to justice and mutual understanding among nations and peoples.
During his homily Cardinal Zuppi emphasized that peace cannot emerge from the domination of one side over another through force. He recalled a principle frequently expressed in Catholic social teaching that peace imposed by superior military power alone does not create genuine reconciliation. Quoting the words of Saint Paul VI he reminded the faithful that authentic peace requires a commitment to justice and dialogue. War, he said, always carries the tragedy of brother turning against brother and therefore represents a failure of humanity to recognize its shared dignity and responsibility.
Reflecting on the continuing conflict in Ukraine the cardinal prayed for an end to violence and appealed for spaces where dialogue can begin. He asked that the sound of bombs cease and that weapons fall silent so that a path toward a just peace can be pursued. Cardinal Zuppi also referenced teachings from the Second Vatican Council which condemned acts of war that indiscriminately destroy cities and harm civilian populations. These words, he suggested, remain particularly relevant in a time when conflicts around the world continue to produce suffering and displacement on a massive scale.
The Ukrainian Ambassador to the Holy See Andrii Yurash also addressed those gathered in the basilica and spoke about the significance of the moment of prayer marking the anniversary of the full scale invasion of Ukraine. He said that the event represented not only a spiritual act but also a reminder that the desire for peace must be rooted in justice. According to the ambassador a just peace must reflect the principles of international law and the moral responsibility to protect human dignity. He described the idea of peace as a universal aspiration shared by all nations especially during a period when conflicts continue to affect many regions of the world.
Following the Mass participants joined a procession that moved from the Upper Basilica to the Lower Basilica where they gathered in silent prayer before the relics of Saint Francis. Pilgrims, clergy and members of the Ukrainian community stood together beneath the crucifix above the altar as they prayed for the end of violence and the restoration of peace. The setting of Assisi carried particular symbolic significance because Saint Francis has long been associated with the Christian message of peace and reconciliation.
The day of prayer formed part of a broader series of commemorations marking the anniversary of the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Church leaders and diplomats have continued to emphasize the need for humanitarian assistance, diplomatic engagement and international cooperation aimed at ending the conflict. Cardinal Zuppi’s message in Assisi reflected the Catholic Church’s consistent call for peace rooted in justice and dialogue rather than domination by force.
