Pope calls Ukrainians and Russians “brothers” and calls for mutual understanding

The head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has once again called on Ukrainians and Russians to find understanding. The pontiff believes that Ukrainians and Russians are brothers, so they must reconcile. Francis’ words are reported by Vatican News.

“Offering prayers to the ‘Blessed Virgin Mary’ for the ‘long-awaited peace for the Ukrainian people and the Russian people,’ he said: “They are brothers, cousins. Let them come to mutual understanding! War is always a defeat. Peace to the whole world!”, — the statement reads.

It should be noted that on August 25, 2024, Pope Francis made an address in which he mentioned the law No. 8371 adopted in the Ukrainian Parliament, aimed at banning the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The pontiff emphasized that no church in the world should be banned because it performs prayer against evil and unrighteousness.