Pope Francis said that Ukrainians and Russians are “cousins” and should find mutual understanding. About this informs Vatican News.
The Pope expressed hope that both sides would be able to reach reconciliation.
“They are brothers, cousins. Let them come to an understanding! War is always a defeat. Peace to the whole world!”, – the pontiff emphasized in a speech on the French island of Corsica, where he offered prayers to the “Holy Mother of God”.
The pontiff also called on the international community to pray for peace around the world and expressed the hope that hostilities would end by Christmas.
Earlier, Pope Francis criticized Ukraine’s decision to ban the activities of the Russian church on its territory.
