Pope Francis condemns ongoing conflicts across world; asserts 'WW III has been declared'

Pope Francis on June 14 asserted that World War III h alrey commenced, referring to conflicts that have been taking place across world in recent months. pontiff went on to say that "we see" what is occurring in Ukraine in a different light because it is closer to us and pricks our senses more, however, " one cares" about fights taking place in parts of Africa, rrn Nigeria, rrn Congo, and Myanmar.

According to Vatican News, pontiff said, "We see what is happening w in Ukraine in a certain way because it is closer to us and pricks our sensibilities more. But re are or countries far away—think of some parts of Africa, rrn Nigeria, rrn Congo—where war is ongoing and body cares. Think of Myanmar and Rohingya. world is at war. Today, for me, World War III has been declared."

Furrmore, Pope Francis has launched a new round of criticisms of Russia's hostile activities in Ukraine, describing Russian troops as brutal, harsh, and ferocious, while lauding brave Ukrainians for fighting for ir lives and sovereignty of ir homeland. He also stated that situation was t black and white and that war was "perhaps in some way provoked." While deuncing brutality, and savry of Russian forces, he ded, "We must t forget real problems if we want m to be solved," citing armaments industry as one of elements that encour conflict.

Pope mentions Russia's "monstrous" use of Chechen & Syrian mercenaries in Ukraine

pontiff also mentioned Russia's "monstrous" deployment of Chechen and Syrian mercenaries in Ukraine in his remarks. He said he intended to meet Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill in September at an interfaith garing in Kazakhstan. two were supposed to meet in Jerusalem in June, but trip was postponed owing to Russia-Ukraine war.

Pope Francis claimed he talked with a he of state several months before President Vlimir Putin launched troops into Ukraine, who expressed worry that NATO was "barking at gates of Russia" in a manner that could le to war. Russia refers to its actions in Ukraine as a "special operation" aimed at disarming Ukraine and protecting it from Nazis, a description that pontiff has previously criticised.

Im: AP