Pope Francis “begged” Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday to “stop” the “spiral of violence” in Ukraine, while deeply deploring annexations “contrary to international law”.
Before praying the Angelus in Saint Peter’s Square, the Pope addressed “the president of the Russian Federation, begging him to stop, also for the love of his people, this spiral of violence and death.”
This is the first time that the Pope has directly appointed the Russian president during a speech since the start of the conflict on February 24.
Pope ‘deplores’ annexations
The Pope also spoke for the first time about Moscow’s annexations of Ukrainian territories, deploring “new actions contrary to the principles of international law.”
Vladimir Putin on Friday proclaimed the annexation of four Ukrainian regions, a decision that drew strong condemnation from the international community.
“I deeply regret the serious situation that has been created in recent days (…) It increases the risk of nuclear escalation, to the point of causing fear of uncontrollable and catastrophic consequences at a global level,” he estimated.
The “madness” and “horror” of war
The sovereign pontiff also launched “an equally confident appeal to the president of Ukraine (Volodymyr Zelensky) to be open to serious proposals for peace.”
“It is distressing that the world knows the geography of Ukraine through names like Bucha, Irpin, Mariupol, Izium, Zaporizhya and other localities, which have become places of unspeakable suffering and fear,” he added.
“And what about the fact that humanity is once again facing the atomic threat? It’s nonsense.”
Denouncing once again the “madness” and “horror” of war, Francis insisted on “respect for the sacrosanct value of human life” and “for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each country.”
The Holy See has been trying since February 24 to maintain a delicate diplomatic balance with the two countries, with the Pope condemning a “cruel and senseless” war and keeping open the possibility of dialogue with Moscow.
Source: BFM TV
