Pope ready to facilitate prisoner exchange between Ukraine and russia
13 May 2024 09:24
During a prayer with pilgrims on Sunday, Pope Francis said he was ready to facilitate the exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia. This was reported by Vatican News, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
“At a time when we celebrate the Ascension of the Risen Lord, who gives us freedom and wants us to be free, I reiterate my call for a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine, assuring the readiness of the Holy See to assist any efforts in this direction, especially for the seriously wounded and sick,
– pope Francis said, reiterating his call in his “Urbi et Orbi” message on the occasion of Easter on 31 March.
He added that he continues to pray for peace.
Recently, the Pope has repeatedly made statements about the war in Ukraine.
Thus, in an interview with the Swiss broadcaster RSI, the Pope called for negotiations in the Russian war against Ukraine, noting that “the one who has the courage to raise the white flag will be stronger”.
The Vatican said that Pope Francis called for a ceasefire and the resumption of negotiations, not Ukraine’s surrender.
