Pope Francis, on Wednesday, said war in Ukraine “would be madness” and hoped that tensions between that country and Russia could be overcome through multi-lateral dialogue.
Speaking at his Wednesday general audience, Francis thanked those who took part in his January 26 international day of prayer for peace in Ukraine.
He said he prayed that the negotiations involving Russia and Ukraine, facilitated by Germany and France, would be a success.
“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. And let’s not forget. War is madness.’’
Russia has massed troops near Ukraine but denies Western accusations that it is planning an attack.
Most Ukrainians follow Orthodox Christianity, but the country was also home to its own branch of the Catholic Church, which practises 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 invited Pope Francis to visit, calling it a huge gesture that would help being peace.
