Pope Francis went to the Russian embassy to the Holy See on Friday to convey to the Moscow ambassador his concern about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in an unprecedented departure from diplomatic protocol.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the pope spent about 30 minutes at the embassy, which is close to the Vatican.
“He went to express his concern about the warsaid Bruni, who declined to comment on the news that the 85-year-old pope had offered Vatican mediation.
It is believed to be the first time that a pope has gone to an embassy to speak with an ambassador in times of conflict. Foreign envoys are usually summoned by the Vatican Secretariat of State or meet with the pope in the Apostolic Palace.
In an interview with Reuters on February 14, before the invasion, Ukraine’s ambassador to the Vatican, Andriy Yurash, said that Kiev would be open to Vatican mediation in the conflict.
In a statement Thursday, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said the Holy See expected those who hold the fate of the world in their hands to have a “glimpse of consciousness”.
World leaders have accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of a flagrant violation of international law by launching the biggest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War II.
Source: Gestion
Ricardo is a renowned author and journalist, known for his exceptional writing on top-news stories. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he is known for his ability to deliver breaking news and insightful analysis on the most pressing issues of the day.
