Peace be with you all. A fitting, Christ-like choice of first words for a new Pope following the white smoke.
Peace
In his first appearance after the resurrection, Jesus enters a locked room where the disciples are gathered and says, “Peace be with you.” (John 20:19)
Later, he repeats the greeting, “Peace be with you,” before commissioning his followers to forgive sins. (John 20:21)
“Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you’.” (John 20:26)
Conclave
When 133 Cardinals began the secretive, centuries old ritual to select a successor to Pope Francis, they noted the invasion of Ukraine by Russia as illustrative of a world in need of peace. In a rare joint statement, they appealed for a ceasefire in Gaza and Ukraine. On Day 2, roars of approval from the thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square greeted white smoke coming from the chimney. Pope Leo XIV chose to start his papacy with words of peace. Words that need to be heard from a spiritual leader in a divided world.
President Zelensky responded, “At this decisive moment for our country, we hope for the continued moral and spiritual support of the Vatican in Ukraine’s efforts to restore justice and achieve a lasting peace. I wish His Holiness Leo XIV wisdom, inspiration, and strength—both spiritual and physical—in carrying out his noble mission.”
Fire In The Sky
What followed on May 8th was fire in the sky over Ukraine.
Ukrainian forces faced 117 combat clashes across the front lines on the first day of Russia’s self-declared Victory Day “humanitarian ceasefire,” the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces reported on May 8.
Despite the Kremlin’s announcement of a May 8–11 truce, heavy fighting continued in multiple regions throughout the day. There were seven civilian deaths and 31 injuries on May 8th across Ukraine. Some of the attacks took place after the start of Moscow’s unilaterally declared truce. Russian strikes targeted homes, vehicles, and public spaces.
On May 9th a Ukrainian friend posted a video with sirens blaring in the background as the “sounds of peace.”
On May 10th the U.S. Embassy issued rare warning for Kyiv saying they’ve got info concerning potentially significant air attack that may occur at any time over the next several days.
On May 11th a friend posted on X, “Air raid alert in Kyiv. Peace is coming soon, they say. But there are no signs of it here.”
Jocelyn and I arrive in Ukraine on May 29th. We are repeatedly asked, “Is It Safe?” One activity will be working with Ukrainian teams to host Day Camps for children.
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