Russia has unleashed the evil of war on Ukraine

What has it been like for you watching the news since Feb. 23 when Russia invaded Ukraine?

It’s devastating to see people’s lives not only interrupted but also to see evil taking away their freedom and causing incredible destruction. It’s certainly pulling at my heart – it’s just heart-wrenching – to see these images every night on television and the images on other social media. We’re in the middle of a war, and we are seeing it in real time. This war is evil because there seems to be no human need for this. It’s estimated that 2 million people have fled Ukraine, and thousands of men, women and children – civilians – have been killed.

Pope Francis has been very vocal about what he has called the “madness” of war.

At his Angelus address on March 6, the Holy Father prayed for peace and said that the Vatican is ready to do anything it can “to put itself at the service of peace.” Pope Francis talked about the “rivers of blood and tears” that are flowing in Ukraine. He has sent two cardinals to Ukraine – Polish Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, who runs the office of papal charities, and Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny, interim president of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Their presence is a way for the Catholic Church to draw closer to the suffering of the Ukrainian people and say, “War is madness! Stop, please! Look at this cruelty!” The Holy Father also has asked all people of good will to join in the enormous humanitarian efforts so that aid can be sent to the besieged areas. He said: “Above all, I plead for an end to armed attacks, for negotiations to prevail – and for common sense to prevail – and for a return to respect for international law.”

You have asked people within the Archdiocese of New Orleans to send in their own contributions.

Contributions can be sent directly to us (at 7887 Walmsley Ave., New Orleans, LA 70125) or given to their church parishes, and we will acknowledge those contributions. We will then send that relief money to the Catholic bishops of Ukraine, who will know best what their needs are. We can only imagine what’s taking place for these people who have lost their homes and their livelihoods. The bombing has been so indiscriminate. Our fervent plea of everyone is that this does not end up in World War III, especially in an age of nuclear weapons.

Is there any hope you see on the horizon that might pressure Putin to change course?

The United States and other countries have collaborated on imposing sanctions on Russia, but only time will tell whether those sanctions will stop him.

In the meantime, in the U.S., prices at the gas pump and for almost every other commodity have skyrocketed.

Our lifestyle is changing because of this – it’s an inconvenience for us – but it’s life and death for the people of Ukraine. Our prayer and sacrificial giving are very important.

Questions for Archbishop Aymond may be sent to clarionherald@clarionherald.org.