Pope Francis stated that Ukrainians and Russians are “cousins” who need to “come to mutual understanding.”
According to Vatican News, the Pope emphasized that both nations should “achieve mutual understanding.”
They are brothers, cousins. Let them come to mutual understanding! War is always a defeat. Peace for the whole world! – said the pontiff during a speech on the French island of Corsica, where he offered prayers to the “Holy Virgin.”
He also appealed to the international community to pray for peace worldwide and expressed hope that fighting would end across the globe before Christmas.
In August, Pope Francis condemned Ukraine’s decision to ban the activities of the Russian Orthodox Church in the country.
