Reflecting on the war in Ukraine, Pope Francis has called on the world to learn from history when it comes to nuclear war and choose the path of peace.
“We cannot forget the danger of nuclear war that threatened the world then,” he said at a mass mass in St. Peter’s Square on October 9, referring to the Cold War period in the 1960s.
“Why not learn from history? Even then, there were big conflicts and tensions, but the path of peace was chosen”, said the 85-year-old.
Pope Francis has avoided direct criticism of Russia since the start of its war in Ukraine in February, but has spoken out more often against the death and destruction that war brings.
Migrants fleeing a difficult situation.
“The deportation of migrants is scandalous! In fact, the deportation of migrants is criminal. It makes them die in front of us,” he said.
“Until today, we have the Mediterranean, the largest cemetery in the world. Deporting migrants is disgusting, it’s criminal.”
Hundreds of thousands of migrants have attempted to cross the Mediterranean from North Africa in an ongoing attempt to reach Europe.
Russian President Vladimir Putin calls the war a “special military operation” to demilitarize Ukraine. The West has responded to Russia, hitting the economy of this country with harsh sanctions.
As a result of the war, thousands of people have died and millions more have been displaced from their homes.