Today, the Russian military operation that culminated with the invasion of Ukraine reaches its 100th day.

Regrettably, international diplomacy has failed to find a quick solution to this occupation.
The conflict has already resulted in thousands of dead and wounded military and civilian casualties, and millions of displaced people, mainly women and children, and those unable to move who include the poorest of the poor, the sick and disabled.

The war has also heightened tensions between countries that, despite claiming that such a measure is aimed at strengthening their defense systems, have ended up exacerbating a belligerent environment.
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul around the world, in communion with the Holy Church and the Holy Father, expresses its total solidarity with the Ukrainian people, seeking to act, in close collaboration with other organizations and Vincentian branches, in humanitarian actions to mitigate the harmful effects of this senseless war.

Our Lord Jesus Christ left us a guideline, which is also a divine promise: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (St. Matthew 5, 9). We pray to God that the message of Christ will reach the hearts of the world’s leaders to seek peace by ending this unfortunate conflict immediately.

The affected populations can no longer bear the trail of destruction and death that comes from this terrible war. Let us pray for a just and early settlement.

Brother Renato Lima de Oliveira
16th President General International of the SSVP