UA Foreign Ministry comments on Pope’s intention to visit Kyiv and Moscow

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleh Nikolenko has positively assessed Pope Francis's desire to visit Ukraine, reports the "European Pravda". According to the spokesperson, the visit of the head of the Vatican will help restore peace in the Ukrainian land.

"We believe that this visit will strengthen the pontiff's role in restoring peace in the Ukrainian land as well as support the spirit of Ukrainians who are experiencing untold suffering due to Russian aggression," Nikolenko said and once again invited the pontiff to visit Ukraine. "We reaffirm the invitation to Pope Francis to visit our country and urge him to continue praying for the Ukrainian people," the Foreign Ministry spokesman said. He also called for "deepening ties with those who sincerely aspire to do so".

According to Nikolenko, Moscow is ignoring Francis's willingness to come to Russia, and the spokesman considers this to be indicative. "This is yet another indication that the Russian regime seeks war rather than peace," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry official said.

As reported, the Pope spoke about a cordial and open dialogue with Russia.

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