Head of Phanar calls on Ukraine and Russia to "sincere dialogue"

Volodymyr Zelensky and Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: bbc.com

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the leader of the Constantinople Church, has urged Ukraine and Russia to swiftly end the war and engage in a "sincere dialogue," as reported on the official website of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

In his message on the occasion of the new liturgical year, Patriarch Bartholomew placed significant emphasis on environmental issues. He noted that "in this context, we must also take into account and evaluate the horrific consequences caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which is associated with appalling ecological devastation."

According to Patriarch Bartholomew, "every act of war is also a war against creation, as it poses a serious threat to the environment." He highlighted the pollution of the atmosphere, water, and land due to bombings, the risk of nuclear catastrophe, the release of dangerous radiation from nuclear power plants producing electricity, carcinogenic dust from exploding buildings, deforestation, and the depletion of arable agricultural land. All of these factors, he stated, indicate that the people and ecosystem of Ukraine have suffered and continue to suffer immeasurable losses.

For this reason, Patriarch Bartholomew believes that "the war must cease immediately, and sincere dialogue must commence."

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Pope Francis called Russia a country of great culture and great humanity.

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