Pope Francis began the month of February with a candlelit procession in St. Peter's Basilica for a Mass on World Day of Consecrated Life, where he stressed the often forgotten role which consecrated men and women play in the life of the Church.
Just the next day, the Pope made mention of his recurrent knee pain, apologizing to members of an Italian police force for having to remain seated while greeting them.
February also saw news from the pope emeritus. Benedict XVI issued a letter responding to accusations of mismanaging four cases of abuse as Archbishop of Munich.
ABP. GEORG GÄNSWEIN
Benedict XVI's Secretary
Once again I can only express to all the victims of sexual abuse my profound shame, my deep sorrow and my heartfelt request for forgiveness.
In mid-February, Pope Francis addressed the situation in Ukraine, where reports showed Russian forces amassing near the Ukrainian border.
POPE FRANCIS
The news coming out of Ukraine are very worrying.
Later that month, the Pope opened a symposium at the Vatican that gathered priests, bishops, and theologians from around the world to discuss the priesthood, urging priests to draw close to the people they serve to not fall into loneliness.
POPE FRANCIS
Without friends and without prayer, celibacy can become an unbearable burden and a testimony against the very beauty of the priesthood.
At his General Audience, Pope Francis launched his final desperate appeal for peace in Ukraine before Russia launched its invasion of the country.
POPE FRANCIS
I ask all parties involved to refrain from any action that could bring even more suffering to the people, disturbing the coexistence among nations and undermining international law.
Just the following day, Russian troops invaded Ukraine, prompting a statement by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to call for dialogue to stop the conflict from expanding.
CARD. PIETRO PAROLIN
Vatican Secretary of State
The tragic scenarios that everyone feared are becoming a reality. Yet, there is still time for good will. There is still room for negotiation.
One day after the invasion, Pope Francis completely broke with protocal by personally visiting the Russian embassy to the Holy See to “express his concern because of the war.”
The Pope also called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to whom he expressed “his deepest sorrow for the tragic events that are taking place in the country.”
The next day the Pope continued his stern condemnations of the war after the praying the angelus.
POPE FRANCIS
I repeat: Put down your weapons! God is with the peacemakers, not with those who use violence.
The Vatican had also offered to act as a mediator in the conflict to avoid escalation and return to negotiations, but had received no response from Russia.
JM
