Pope Francis appeals for peace in Ukraine, guaranteed humanitarian corridors

Pope Francis has called for an end to hostilities in Ukraine and the guarantee of humanitarian corridors.

Ukrinform reports this with reference to Vatican News.

“Rivers of blood and tears are flowing in Ukraine. It is not merely a military operation, but a war, which sows death, destruction and misery. The number of victims is increasing, as are the people fleeing, especially mothers and children. The need for humanitarian assistance in that troubled country is growing dramatically by the hour,” Pope Francis

He called for humanitarian corridors to be genuinely secured, and for aid to be guaranteed and access facilitated to the besieged areas, in order to offer vital relief to our brothers and sisters oppressed by bombs and fear.

“Above all, I implore that the armed attacks cease and that negotiation - and common sense - prevail. And that international law be respected once again!” he said.

The pontiff also announced a special mission of the two cardinals

“The Holy See is ready to do everything, to put itself at the service of this peace. In these days, two Cardinals went to Ukraine, to serve the people, to help. Cardinal Krajewski, the Almoner, to bring aid to the needy, and Cardinal Czerny, interim Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. The presence of the two Cardinals there is the presence not only of the Pope, but of all the Christian people who want to get closer and say: “War is madness! Stop, please! Look at this cruelty!” Pope Francis said.

As Ukrinform reported, Ukraine has asked Pope Francis to help agree with the Kremlin on organizing humanitarian corridors to evacuate civilians from hostilities in Ukraine.

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