UCA News
Contribute

Pope condemns 'barbaric' attack on Ukraine shopping center

Francis prays that God might open the path to dialogue as war wages on in Eastern Europe
Charred goods in a grocery store of the destroyed Amstor mall in Kremenchuk on June 28, one day after it was hit by a Russian missile strike

Charred goods in a grocery store of the destroyed Amstor mall in Kremenchuk on June 28, one day after it was hit by a Russian missile strike. (Photo: AFP)

Published: June 30, 2022 05:30 AM GMT
Updated: June 30, 2022 05:35 AM GMT

Pope Francis again pleaded for an end to hostilities in Ukraine after missiles struck a shopping center filled with people.

"I carry in my heart every day the dear and tormented Ukraine, which continues to be scourged by barbaric attacks, like the one that struck the Kremenchuk shopping center," the pope said June 29 after praying the Angelus prayer with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square.

According to the Ukrainian government, an estimated 1,000 people were inside the mall June 27 when two missiles struck it, killing at least 20 people.

In a message posted to the messaging app Telegram, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of Ukraine's presidential office, blamed the "insidious missile strike" on Russian forces.

"More than 20 are already known to have been killed and 59 wounded," Tymoshenko said, according to news reports. "There are also more than 40 statements from relatives about missing people who may have been in the mall during the shelling."

The attack also drew condemnation from G7 leaders who were meeting in Germany at the time of the attack.

"I pray that this senseless war may soon come to an end, and I renew the invitation to persevere, tirelessly, in prayer for peace"

Russia, however, denied striking the shopping center. In a statement published the day after the attack, Russia's defense ministry said its forces "struck a weapons depot storing arms received from the United States and Europe with high-precision air-based weapons."

"The detonation of stored ammunition for Western weapons caused a fire in a non-functioning shopping center located next to the depot," the statement said, according to the Reuters news agency.

Pope Francis renewed his call for peace and called on Christians to "not neglect to come to the aid of the Ukrainian people, who are suffering so much."

"I pray that this senseless war may soon come to an end, and I renew the invitation to persevere, tirelessly, in prayer for peace: May the Lord open those paths of dialogue that men are unwilling or unable to find!"

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia