1 Year of the Ukraine War, Pope Calls the War "Absurd and Cruel"... Urges Peace Negotiations

[Asia Economy Reporter Minji Lee] Pope Francis, ahead of the first anniversary of the outbreak of the Ukraine war on the 24th, pointed out the injustice of the war and urged Russia and Ukraine to engage in a ceasefire and peace negotiations.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to major foreign media outlets, on the 22nd (local time), two days before the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Pope described the war as "absurd and cruel" during the general audience held at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican.

Referring to the first anniversary of the war, the Pope called it a "sad anniversary" and said, "I am close to the Ukrainian people who are dying in the war."

He added, "A 'true victory' in Ukraine cannot be built on ruins," urging both parties to stop the war and engage in peace negotiations.

So far, the Pope has consistently called for an end to the Ukraine war and the restoration of peace during important events such as Easter and Christmas. In the general audience last September, he firmly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin's mention of the possible use of nuclear weapons, saying, "Thinking about using nuclear weapons in Ukraine is madness."

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