WASHINGTON: General Mark Milley, the highest-ranking military officer in the United States, met with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Monday to discuss various matters, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. Their dialogue shed light on the pope’s concerns about the conflict’s devastating impact on innocent lives.
Following the audience, Milley addressed journalists aboard a US military aircraft, revealing that Pope Francis conveyed his deep concern for the hundreds of thousands of lives lost and countless wounded individuals due to the conflict in Ukraine. The pope’s compassion extends to the innocent civilians who have borne the brunt of the conflict’s tragic consequences.
The discussion also touched upon General Milley’s insights regarding the current state of the war, the progress made, and the dire human tragedy unfolding in Ukraine. As the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Milley has been actively involved in providing Ukraine with military support, including equipment and training, to counter Russian troops that invaded the country in February 2022.
Military Assistance for Ukraine
The military assistance extended to Kyiv has contributed to the regaining of territories from Russian forces, with Ukrainian troops now engaged in a counteroffensive against robust Russian defenses.
Pope Francis, who assumed leadership of the global Catholic Church in 2013, consistently advocates for peace in Ukraine. His dedication to global peace efforts was evident when his peace envoy visited both Moscow and Kyiv in recent months.
During the meeting, General Milley, a practicing Catholic, and Pope Francis engaged in broader discussions as well, with a significant focus on matters concerning Africa. Milley noted the pope’s remarkable depth of knowledge about world events, describing the experience of conversing with him as a privilege.
