Zelensky calls on Pope to mediate in Ukraine
In another desperate attempt after the West pushed him to military confrontation with Russia, the Ukrainian President goes as far as demanding the Catholic Church's intervention.
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Pope Francis spoke of the Ukrainian crisis in the Vatican on Friday
Nearly one month into Moscow's special operation in Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked Pope Francis to intercede in his country's crisis with Russia.
Zelensky stated that he spoke with Pope Francis over the phone and "told His Holiness about the difficult humanitarian situation and the blocking of rescue corridors by Russian troops."
The Ukrainian President tweeted that "the mediating role of the Holy See in ending human suffering would be appreciated."
Talked to @Pontifex. Told His Holiness about the difficult humanitarian situation and the blocking of rescue corridors by Russian troops. The mediating role of the Holy See in ending human suffering would be appreciated. Thanked for the prayers for Ukraine and peace. pic.twitter.com/wj4hmrTRGd
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 22, 2022
Negotiators from Moscow and Kiev have been holding talks to end the conflict, but progress is yet to be announced.
Pope Francis has repeatedly called for an end to the violence, and while he has denounced the "massacre" in Ukraine, he has avoided naming Russia.
Earlier this month, Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill and Pope Francis met on Ukraine and urged negotiations to continue in order to achieve a "just peace".
Patriarch Kirill referred to Moscow's opponents in Ukraine as "evil forces" shortly after the commencement of Russia's military operation in Ukraine last month.
