Pope Francis held a meeting with young people from Ukraine, at which he called on them to forgive their enemies, reject war, but at the same time be patriots of their country.
This is reported by Vatican News.
At the meeting, one of the Ukrainian women living in Chicago asked how one can forgive an enemy. The Pope replied that it is difficult, but possible.
"Forgiveness is one of the most difficult things. It is difficult for everyone, even for me. But this thought helps me: 'I must forgive as I was forgiven.' Each of us must remember how we were forgiven. The art of forgiveness is not easy, but we must move forward and always forgive," he said.
At the same time, the Pope urged teenagers to be patriots of their country. He also believes that feeling sadness for the Motherland abroad is normal and gives strength.
"Nostalgia for the homeland is a strength. Ukrainians abroad, please do not lose your longing for your country. Sometimes nostalgia is painful, but it makes us move forward. Think about your homeland and smile at it," the pontiff said.
We will remind you that earlier, Pope Francis, in his traditional Christmas message "Urbi et Orbi", called for peace talks between Ukraine and russia, emphasizing the need to end the conflict.
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