Archbishop on war in Ukraine: U.S. ‘must not fall into isolationism’

VATICAN CITY — After a two-day trip to Ukraine Oct. 19-20, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore said that U.S. Catholics must thoughtfully consider the implications of recent escalations in the region without succumbing to polarized political discourse.

Speaking with Catholic News Service Oct. 25, the archbishop, in Rome to participate in the Synod of Bishops on synodality, stressed the need for Catholics “to beware of the political rhetoric and things that are overblown on both sides of the aisle” and statements that “may or may not be true at all.”

When it comes to the role of the United States’ support for Ukraine, “we want to assist the Ukrainian people,” Archbishop Lori said. “We do not want to fall into isolationism; I think we should have learned that from 1939 forward.” He added,  “On the other hand, I think we also want to make sure that we don’t contribute to the escalation of conflict.”

A White House spokesman said Oct. 23 that at least 3,000 North Korean troops had arrived in Russia by ship to undergo military training, marking a significant escalation of the war. The extent of their involvement in Russia’s war on Ukraine remains unclear.

“I don’t think we realize either how difficult it would be to achieve some kind of a way out of his struggle,” Archbishop Lori said. “People are offering prescriptions of one kind or another, but on the ground it’s a lot more difficult.”