Pope Francis said on Saturday (4) that he plans to visit Ukraine “at the right time”, a country occupied by Russian troops since February 24.
“I want to go to Ukraine, but I have to wait for the right moment,” said the Pope, answering the question of a Ukrainian boy at a meeting with a group of young people in the courtyard of San Damaso.
Jorge Bergoglio also announced that he will consult with the Ukrainian authorities “soon” to see if the visit is possible.
The statement comes after the Vatican currently refuses to organize a trip to Ukraine for the Pope.
Recently, the Catholic leader said he would only visit if it would make a tangible contribution to peace.
While Francis has never been a nominal criticism of Russia or President Vladimir Putin, he has already openly sided with Ukraine and repeatedly called for opposition to the occupation.
In fact, in early May, the Holy Father announced that he wanted to go to Moscow to meet with Putin, but received no response from Russia.
The war in Ukraine reached its 101st day as Russian troops intensified bombing and captured more than 80% of Severodonetsk, a key city in Lugansk, the final hurdle for Russia to claim full control of the province.
Today, the Pope posted a message on Twitter asking for prayers for orphans and children fleeing war. “Let’s pray together for orphaned children fleeing war, for those who are exposed to hunger, carelessness, abuse and violence in the world, for children who have been deprived of their right to be born!” he wrote.
source: Noticias
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