Pope Francis calls Ukrainians and Russians cousins who must find common ground – media

Pope Francis has said that Ukrainians and Russians are "cousins" who should reach an understanding.

Source: Pope Francis in a speech on the French island of Corsica on Sunday, as reported by Vatican News 

Quote: "They are brothers, cousins. Let them come to an understanding! War is always a defeat. Peace to the whole world!"

Details: As the news portal notes, the Pope made this statement while offering his prayers to the Holy Mother of God for "the long-awaited peace for the Ukrainian people and the Russian people".

Background:

• In March 2024, Pope Francis, speaking about Russia's war against Ukraine, said that Ukraine should have "the courage of the white flag" and be ready to negotiate. In a subsequent comment, a Vatican spokesperson noted that the Pope's statement was not a call for Ukraine's surrender. The Pope's words caused widespread reaction and many critical comments.
• Subsequently, the Vatican, commenting on the Pope's words, acknowledged that the Kremlin should take the first steps to negotiate peace.
• In April, the Pope called for world peace amid the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, saying that "a negotiated peace is better than an endless war".
• The Pope condemned Ukraine's decision in August to ban the Russian church in the country.

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