According to the Pontiff, he has already expressed his desire to visit the president of Russia, however, he is still waiting for the ruler’s response.
Newsroom (05/05/2022 09:21, Gaudium Press) During an interview with the Italian newspaper ‘Corriere della Sera’, Pope Francis expressed his desire to go to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of his efforts to end the war against Ukraine and achieve peace between these countries.
The Pontiff recalled his phone call to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the first day of the war, February 24. And also his trip to the Russian embassy to the Holy See where he asked for explanations about the invasion of Russian soldiers in Ukraine.
Message from the Pope to Putin
Francis also revealed that twenty days after the war began, he asked Cardinal Pietro Parolin to inform the Russian president that the Holy Father was willing to go to Moscow.
However, so far he has received no response from Putin. “We continue to insist even though we fear that Putin cannot and does not want to have this meeting at this time,” the Pope stressed.
Visit of the Holy Father to Ukraine
Asked about a possible visit to Ukraine, Francis replied that he doesn’t feel he should go. “First I must go to Moscow, first I must meet with Putin. But I am also a priest, what can I do? I do what I can. If Putin would open the door…,” he lamented.
The Pope concluded by commenting that according to information passed to him by Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, the Russians are planning an end to the war May 9. However, Francis says he is pessimistic. He is continuing to do everything possible to stop the war.(EPC)
Compiled by C. Mittermeier
