The Pope urged to find “creative ways” to resolve the conflict in Ukraine

Europe needs to be offered “creative ways” to end hostilities in Ukraine, said Pope Francis, his words are quoted by the press service of the Holy See.

“When we look at Europe with contrition and love <...> I want to ask: where are you sailing if you do not offer ways of peace, creative ways to stop hostilities in Ukraine and to stop numerous bloody conflicts around the world, ”Francis asked himself during a visit to Portugal (quote by Interfax).

Francis added that he was concerned about the “investment in weapons” that is taking place in the world. “In many parts of the world, investments are constantly made in weapons, and not in the future of children,” the pontiff said.

At the end of June, the Pope’s special envoy for Ukraine, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, arrived in Moscow. The purpose of the visit, as explained in the Vatican, was “to encourage gestures of humanity that can help resolve the current tragic situation and find ways to achieve a just peace.” Prior to this, Zuppi also visited Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

On June 29, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ held a meeting with Zuppi, during which he called for the unification of “all the forces of the world to prevent a major armed conflict.” Zuppi, in turn, said that the pontiff really wanted to know the opinion of the patriarch on “the situation we are in” and a possible meeting.