Pope Francis asserts 'NATO's barking' at Russia's door might have paved way to Ukraine war

Pope Francis on Wednesday said that NATO's 'barking' at Russia’s door might have resulted in President Vlimir Putin launching a military offensive in Ukraine. pontiff stated that he does not think Russia's anger was 'provoked,' ding that it might have however been "facilitated" by West's approach to initiating invasion of Ukraine. In his interview with Corriere Della Sera, Pope Francis offered to visit Moscow to meet with Russian President Vlimir Putin to bring peace between two warring nations. 

pontiff furr ded that he is willing to travel Moscow, however, he hasn't received any response from Kremlin on same and continues to push for it. In his interview with Corriere Della Sera, pontiff also noted that he did not plan to visit Ukraine for time being and h, inste, sent two representatives - Cardinal Konr Krajewski and Cardinal Michael Czerny, to war-ravaged nation to indicate close proximity with civilians re. Speaking about his zoom conference with Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow, Patriarch Kirill on March 16, Pope Francis said Kirill justified war in first 20 minutes of conversation. In response, Pope Francis h said that y are not state clerics and y must not speak language of politics. However, y must try to bring peace as well as told Kirill to not become "Putin's altar boy." He called war "terrible" and stated that Russia has taken Donbass, Crimea, Odesa and ports on Black Sea. 

Pope Francis calls for safe evacuation of Ukrainians trapped in Azovstal steel factory 

It is pertinent to mention here that Pope Francis, on Sunday, May 1, called for safe evacuations of Ukrainians trapped in Azovstal Steel Factory of Mariupol, Catholic News Service reported. He said that he weeps thinking of ir suffering and how ir city has been “barbarously bombed and destroyed.” Speaking during his prayers in St. Peter’s Square on May 1, pontiff said that re have been “terrible reports of children being expelled and deported," as per Catholic News Service report, He also asked all faithful Christians to pray rosary every day in month of Marian month of May for peace. pontiff called for an end to war and expressed hope that path of dialogue would be chosen for bringing peace. It is pertinent to note here that Russian President Vlimir Putin’s all-out military offensive against Ukraine has continued for over 60 days. 

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