Pope speaks about wars again, mentioning Ukraine
Pope Francis (Getty Images)
Pope Francis has issued a global call for peace amid ongoing wars, notably in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip. Specifically mentioning Ukrainian children who have lost their ability to smile due to the war, according to CBS News.
The Pope said that "a negotiated peace is better than a war without end."
"Please. Countries at war, all of them, stop the war. Look to negotiate. Look for peace," said Pope Francis.
When asked if he could help in peace negotiations, he replied, "I can pray. I do. I pray a lot."
Pope Francis also expressed his concern for the war in Ukraine and the devastating impact Russia's invasion has had on Ukrainian children.
"Those kids don't know how to smile. I tell them something, but they forgot how to smile. And this is very hard when a child forgets to smile. That's really very serious. Very serious," added the pontiff.
Pope's statements on Ukraine
Pope Francis is not the first to speak out about the war in Ukraine. However, at times, his statements appear somewhat ambiguous.
For instance, in one statement, he urged to have the courage to start negotiations with the Russian Federation, even using the phrase "white flag." Subsequently, seemingly attempting to clarify, Pope Francis condemned wars worldwide, including the one in Ukraine.
Furthermore, in one of his addresses, Pope Francis referred to the Buryats and Chechens as the most brutal Russian occupiers who invaded Ukrainian territory. He also referred to Ukrainians as martyrs.
