Pope calls Russians and Ukrainians cousins
Pope Francis (photo: Getty Images)
Pope Francis conducted a mass during which he prayed and called for peace between Ukraine and Russia, referring to Ukrainians and Russians as cousins, reports Vatican News.
During a visit to the French island of Corsica, Pope Francis prayed to the Holy Mother of God for the long-awaited peace for the Ukrainian people and the Russian people
"They are brothers, cousins. Let them come to an understanding! War is always a defeat. Peace to the whole world!" Francis said.
Pope's controversial statements
Over the past three years, Pope Francis has repeatedly commented on the war between Ukraine and Russia, often making statements that have been perceived as ambiguous.
The most controversial remark came in March of this year when the Pope called on Ukraine to negotiate with Russia, using the phrase white flag. This statement sparked a highly negative reaction from official Kyiv and Western nations.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell criticized the Pope's message, saying that by invoking a white flag for Ukraine, Francis had stepped into a garden where he was not invited.
The pontiff has also maintained that peace through negotiations is preferable to an endless war.
