‘How much blood must still flow?’: Pope Francis appeals to Putin, Zelensky for immediate ceasefire

Taking a dim view of the “grave” situation that has arisen in recent days, Pope Francis made an appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war and also to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “to be open to serious proposals” for peace, reported Vatican News citing a working translation of the pontiff’s address in Italian.
“My appeal is addressed first and foremost to the President of the Russian Federation, imploring him to stop this spiral of violence and death, also for the sake of his own people. On the other hand, saddened at the immense suffering of the Ukrainian people as a result of the aggression they have suffered, I address an equally confident appeal to the President of Ukraine to be open to serious proposals for peace,” he said. The speech was given by Pope Francis before leading the recitation of Sunday’s midday Angelus prayer in Saint Peter’s Square. He expressed “great concern” and said that the course of the war in Ukraine has become “so serious, devastating and threatening.”
Calling for an immediate ceasefire, Pope said it will be so if conditions for negotiations are “based on respect for the sacrosanct value of human life, as well as the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each country”, and the rights of minorities and legitimate concerns.
“I deeply deplore the grave situation that has arisen in recent days, with further actions contrary to the principles of international law. It increases the risk of nuclear escalation, giving rise to fears of uncontrollable and catastrophic consequences worldwide.” As it prolongs, Pope termed the war a “terrible and inconceivable wound to humanity”.