For days, there has been talk in Rome that the Holy See is willing to act as a mediator in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, an offer which Pope Francis confirmed in his Angelus.
POPE FRANCIS
'The Holy See is willing to do whatever is necessary, to put itself at the service of peace.'
The Pope was visibly concerned about the situation.
POPE FRANCIS
'I express my heartfelt plea to secure humanitarian corridors and to guarantee and facilitate the access of aid to people under siege, to offer basic help to our brothers and sisters oppressed by bombs and fear.'
Pope Francis thanked those working to help refugees and journalists risking their lives in Ukraine to prevent disinformation.
POPE FRANCIS
'I thank all those who are welcoming refugees. Above all I implore that armed attacks cease and that negotiation and common sense prevail as well. And that international law be respected again.'
The Pope then said he sent two cardinals to Ukraine, the head of the Office of Papal Charities, Polish Archbishop Konrad Krajewski and Cardinal Michael Czerny, one of the pope's secretaries in the Vatican's Migrants and Refugees section, who is now interim prefect of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development.
JRB
TR: JM
