Pope Francis has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop “this spiral of violence and death” referring to the war in Ukraine.
The Pope’s statements, made on October 2 during public prayers in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, are some of the strongest statements he has made since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
“My appeal is addressed first to the president of the Russian Federation, begging him to stop – for the sake of his people – this spiral of violence and death,” Francis said.
“On the other hand, saddened by the great suffering of the Ukrainian people after the aggression, I appeal to the president of Ukraine to be open to serious peace proposals,” the Pope added.