Pope Says War in Ukraine Would be "Madness," Backs Talks
Pope Francis said on Wednesday that war in Ukraine would be "madness" and hoped that tensions between that country and Russia could be overcome through multi-lateral dialogue, Reuters reports.
Speaking at his Wednesday general audience, Francis thanked those who took part in his Jan. 26 international day of prayer for peace in Ukraine.
"Let us continue to beg the God of peace so that the tensions and threats of war can be overcome through a serious dialogue and that the Normandy Format talks can contribute to this aim," he said, referring to negotiations involving Russia and Ukraine, facilitated by Germany and France.
"And let's not forget. War is madness," he said.
Russia has massed troops near Ukraine but denies Western accusations that it is planning an attack.
Most Ukrainians follow Orthodox Christianity, but the country is also home to its own branch of the Catholic Church, which practices an eastern rite similar to Orthodox worship while proclaiming loyalty to the Pope in Rome.
On Tuesday, the leader of Ukraine's Eastern-rite Catholics said he has invited Francis to visit, calling it a huge gesture that would help being peace.
Read also
-
Pope Francis voices concern over Lachin corridor crisis
-
Pope says homosexuality not a crime
-
Release of POWs will be important step for peace treaty – Pope Francis on South Caucasus
-
Retired Pope Benedict XVI dies
-
Pope concerned about situation created in the Lachin Corridor
-
Pope Francis vows to visit both Kiev and Moscow, if he travels
-
Holy Pontiff of Rome receives Armenian FM
-
Pope appeal for end to ‘nuclear nightmare’
-
17:08The regular session of the Anti-corruption Policy Council takes place in Jermuk
-
15:05The Prime Minister sends congratulatory messages to the supreme leader of Iran and the President of Iran
-
11:11Armenia sends earthquake aid to Turkey
-
10:43Commemoration of the Pontiff St. Sahak Partev
-
09:16Some roads are closed and difficult to pass in Armenia
-
19:55Phone conversation of the Foreign Minister of Armenia with the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs
-
18:30Prime Minister Pashinyan and President Khachaturyan meet
-
18:20Ararat Mirzoyan with Co-Chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group of France Brice Roquefeuil
-
17:01Humans could land on Mars within 10 years, Musk predicts
-
16:45France, US urge 'immediate' end to Nagorno Karabakh blockade
-
16:01Blockaded Nagorno Karabakh launches fundraiser to support quake-hit Syria
-
15:59Earthquake death toll in Turkey rises to 18,342
-
15:43Ararat Mirzoyan Held a Telephone Conversation with Sergey Lavrov
-
15:06French president rules out fighter jet supplies to Ukraine in near future
-
14:475 Day Weather Forecast in Armenia
-
14:44President Vahagn Khachaturyan wrote a note in the book of condolences opened in the Embassy of Syria in Armenia
-
14:20Azerbaijan’s provocations impede establishment of peace and stability – Armenian FM tells Russian Co-Chair of OSCE MG
-
12:57France representation to OSCE: Paris calls on Azerbaijan to restore freedom of movement through Lachin corridor
-
11:40Command of Kosovo forces highly appreciated preparation of Armenian peacekeepers
-
10:16The United States withdrew from sanctions against Syria for six months the provision of assistance after the earthquake
day
week
month
Humidity: 21%
Wind: 0.51 km/h