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

ECHR to hear cases on deportations and entry bans for Christians in Turkey

The ECHR has demanded explanations from Ankara over complaints by clergy who were denied entry or stripped of residency rights under the pretext of “national security.”

Church of England Synod freezes reforms on same-sex unions in the Church

Anglican leadership halted the program on recognizing same-sex unions and did not support introducing special services for their blessing.

Altar table of temporary UOC church consecrated in Prypruttia village

Metropolitan Meletiy, the ruling hierarch of the Chernivtsi Eparchy of the UOC, consecrated the altar table of a temporary church in the village of Prypruttia of the Novoselytsia Deanery.

Dumenko: It's painful that some in the world are tired of the war in Ukraine

The head of the OCU supported skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych for reminding the world about the war in Ukraine and criticized hypocritical “peacemakers.”

Paphos flock accuses Archbishop of creating "spiritual desert"

The Paphos faithful sharply criticized the leadership of the Church of Cyprus, alleging serious canonical and institutional violations.

President of Bulgaria at meeting with Church Synod: Our faith unites us

The head of state spoke about the role of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in the country's history and emphasized that faith helps preserve the unity of the people in difficult times.