Pope Francis calls for ‘real negotiations’ in Ukraine

Pope Francis today called for new “real negotiations” in the face of the “increasingly dangerous escalation” of the war in Ukraine, on the sidelines of Pentecost.

“As the cycle of destruction and death grows and conflicts erupt, fueling an escalation that is increasingly dangerous for all, I make a new appeal to the leaders of the nations: Please do not lead humanity to destruction!” Said the pope. from the window of the Apostolic Palace in front of 25,000 faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

“One hundred days after the start of the armed attack on Ukraine,” the pope called for “real negotiations for a ceasefire and a solution” so that “the desperate cry of the suffering people can be heard with respect for human life.”

During a meeting with children at the Vatican on Saturday, the 85-year-old pope reiterated his desire to go to Ukraine, explaining that he wanted to wait “at the right time”.

“I would like to go to Ukraine, I just have to wait for the moment to do it, because it is not easy to make a decision that can do more harm than good to the world. I have to find the right time to do it.” , he said in response to a young boy from Ukraine.

“Next week, I will receive representatives of the Ukrainian government who will come to talk and discuss a possible visit of mine: let’s see what happens,” he added.

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, the head of the Roman Catholic Church has multiplied his calls for peace in Ukraine without ever naming Vladimir Putin or Russia, while the Vatican is trying to maintain dialogue with Russia. Church attempting a delicate diplomatic balance.