NJ Cardinal On Ukraine-Russia: ‘Reject War As Political Solution’

NEWARK, NJ — A Catholic leader in New Jersey is calling for people to “reject war as a political solution” amid an ongoing military conflict in the Ukraine that has reportedly claimed dozens of lives.

Russian troops launched a broad assault on Ukraine from three sides Thursday, an attack that brought explosions before dawn to the country's capital, Kyiv, and other cities. Ukraine's leadership said at least 40 people had been killed so far in what it called a "full-scale war" targeting the country from the east, north and south, the Associated Press reported.

The invasion of Ukraine followed a series of failed diplomatic efforts, NPR reported. It marks the largest military attack of one state against another on the European continent since the Second World War, Fox News stated.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned other countries that any attempt to interfere in Ukraine would "lead to consequences you have never seen in history." Read More: Here’s What To Know As Russia Attacks Ukraine

On Thursday, Cardinal Joseph Tobin – who serves at the head of the Archdiocese of Newark – put out a call to prayer for those who “long for peace.”

“We must always reject war as a political solution and pursue honest and respectful dialogue among nations as the only way forward,” Tobin said.

The Archdiocese of Newark serves approximately 1.3 million Catholic residents in 212 parishes and 73 schools throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties.

In a statement, Tobin echoed the remarks Pope Francis made during his general audience on Feb. 23, when he said his heart “aches greatly” over the worsening situation in Ukraine.

Tobin also urged worshipers to participate in a day of prayer and fasting for peace that Pope Francis has announced for Ash Wednesday, March 2.

Tobin wrote:

“I would like to make my own the following words of Pope Francis offered during his General Audience remarks on Wednesday, February 23. ‘My heart aches greatly at the worsening situation in Ukraine. Despite the diplomatic efforts of the last few weeks, increasingly alarming scenarios are opening up. Like me, many people all over the world are feeling anguish and concern. Once again, the peace of all is threatened by partisan interests. I would like to appeal to those with political responsibility to examine their consciences seriously before God, who is the God of peace and not of war; who is the Father of all, not just of some, who wants us to be brothers and not enemies. I pray that all the parties involved refrain from any action that would cause even more suffering to the people, destabilizing coexistence between nations and bringing international law into disrepute. And now I would like to appeal to everyone, believers and non-believers alike. Jesus taught us that the diabolical senselessness of violence is answered with God's weapons, with prayer and fasting. I invite everyone to make next 2 March, Ash Wednesday, a Day of Fasting for Peace. I encourage believers in a special way to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day. May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war.’”

Tobin continued:

“I invite everyone in the Archdiocese of Newark, and all who long for peace everywhere, to join me in praying for the people of Ukraine, especially on the day of prayer and fasting for peace that Pope Francis has announced for Ash Wednesday, March 2. We must always reject war as a political solution and pursue honest and respectful dialogue among nations as the only way forward.”

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