- Pope Francis renews plea for “real negotiations” to end Ukraine crisis.
- Pope confirms desire to visit Ukraine.
On Sunday, Pope Francis reiterated his plea for “real negotiations” to resolve the war in Ukraine, which he described as “increasingly dangerous escalation.”
“As the fury of destruction and death rages and clashes flare, fueling an escalation that is increasingly dangerous for all, I renew my appeal to the leaders of nations: Please do not lead humanity to destruction,” the pontiff said from the window of the apostolic palace in St Peter’s Square.
More than a hundred days since the start of the war, the pope called for “real negotiations for a ceasefire and a solution” to end it.
Read more: Pope Francis tells Ukrainian child he wants to visit Ukraine
On Saturday, the 85-year-old pope confirmed his desire to visit Ukraine, but said he wanted to wait for “the right moment”.
Since Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized an all-out assault on his pro-Western neighbor on February 24, tens of thousands of people have been dead, millions have been forced to flee, and communities have been reduced to ruins.
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