Statement of solidarity with the people of Ukraine

The Jesuits of Canada wish to express their solidarity with the people of Ukraine, with their Jesuit brothers and all those ministering to forcibly displaced people on the ground in Ukraine, and with the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada.

With Pope Francis, we “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,” and we call upon all the parties involved to  “refrain from any action that would cause even more suffering to the people, destabilising coexistence between nations and bringing international law into disrepute.”

More than ever all of us need to practice hospitality and compassion at this moment when people are at risk of losing everything. We join Jesuits in Europe and the Jesuit Refugee Service in strongly encouraging neighbouring countries to Ukraine to keep borders open for the eventual arrival of refugees and assist anyone in need of protection.

Among our own numbers, and among our colleagues and friends here in Canada, are members of the Ukrainian diaspora. Many of them have friends and family in Ukraine. We ask all of our communities and works in Canada to respond to Pope Francis’ call for prayer, fasting and action in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

Let us pray for those suffering in Ukraine, for their loved ones who are anxiously watching the developments from abroad, for an end to hostilities, and for the restoration of a true justice and a genuine peace.