Pope Francis led a moment of silence to pray for the aid workers killed in Gaza and a Ukrainian soldier named Oleksandre who lost his life in the conflict. The Pope called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and the release of hostages taken by Hamas. He also urged for humanitarian aid to reach the people of Gaza and for efforts to prevent the conflict from escalating.
During his general audience, Pope Francis displayed a rosary and a camouflaged New Testament book that belonged to the young Ukrainian soldier Oleksandre, who was killed in Avdijevka. These items were given to the Pope by Sr. Lucia Caram, a nun who has been involved in humanitarian missions to Ukraine.
According to reports, Pope Francis became emotional when presented with Oleksandre's rosary and New Testament. He kissed the rosary, which he had previously blessed for distribution in Ukraine. The Pope encouraged continued efforts to bring aid to Ukraine by providing more rosaries for distribution.
Flipping through the pages of Oleksandre's New Testament, Pope Francis remarked on the young soldier's untimely death, stating that he had a whole life ahead of him. He called for a moment of silent prayer to remember Oleksandre and others who have lost their lives in the war.
Pope Francis has previously highlighted relics from the Ukraine conflict, including a Ukrainian flag recovered from Bucha, a site of early Russian atrocities.
