Pope: Russia and Ukraine may exchange prisoners using "all for all" formula
The loggia of St. Peter's Cathedral, Pope Francis' Easter message. Photo: Vatican News video screenshot
Pope Francis proposed to Russia and Ukraine to exchange prisoners according to the "all for all" formula. The words of the pontiff are quoted by vaticannews.va, citing his traditional Easter message.
"Insisting on the observance of the principles of international law, I call for a common exchange of all detainees between Russia and Ukraine: all for all!" said the pope in the message "To the City and the World" (Urbi et Orbi) on the occasion of Easter.
He also called for an end to the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
"My thoughts are primarily directed to the victims of the numerous conflicts continuing in the world, starting with Israel and Palestine, as well as Ukraine. May the Risen Christ open the path of peace for the long-suffering peoples of these regions," the message of Pope Francis says.
As reported by the UOJ, the heads of the Christian Churches of the Holy Land called for an end to the war in Gaza.
Read also
Previously unknown sermons of St. Augustine discovered in ancient manuscript
Scholars have confirmed the authenticity of two previously unknown homilies by the great Church Father.
More than 800 anti-Christian incidents reported in France in 2025
France’s Interior Ministry has published a report on a sharp rise in violence against believers.
OCU cleric: Moscow strikes Lavra because OCU is there now
A "priest" of Dumenko's structure believes it is normal to ask God for vengeance against a believer.
Head of “Belarusian Autocephalous Church” prays with OCU in Pyriatyn
The leader of the BAOC, unrecognized in the Orthodox world, Sviatoslav Lohin, held a “joint prayer service” with military chaplains in Poltava Region.
Chief Rabbi discusses religious freedom in Ukraine with State Dept official
The participants discussed attacks on religious buildings and cases of pressure on believers.
Monastic tonsure performed in Khust Eparchy
At the diocesan metochion in the village of Synevyrska Poliana, Bishop Mark of Rakhiv performed the rite of rassophore tonsure.