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Pope condemns 'relentless' bombing of Ukrainian cities

12 October 2022 12:55 (UTC +04:00)

Pope Francis on Wednesday condemned Russia's "relentless bombings" of Ukrainian cities, saying the attacks had unleashed a "hurricane of violence" on residents, APA reports citing Reuters.

Speaking to thousands of people at his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square, he also appealed to "those who have the fate of the war in their hands" to stop.

2 minute readOctober 12, 202212:56 PM GMT+4Last Updated 4 min ago

Pope condemns 'relentless' bombing of Ukrainian cities

By Philip Pullella

Pope Francis holds a news conference aboard the papal plane on his flight back after visiting Malta

Pope Francis holds a news conference aboard the papal plane on his flight back after visiting Malta, April 3, 2022. Vatican Media/Handout via REUTERS

VATICAN CITY, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Pope Francis on Wednesday condemned Russia's "relentless bombings" of Ukrainian cities, saying the attacks had unleashed a "hurricane of violence" on residents.

Speaking to thousands of people at his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square, he also appealed to "those who have the fate of the war in their hands" to stop.

At least 26 people have been killed across Ukraine during Russia's biggest aerial offensive since the start of its invasion in February.

"My heart is always with the Ukrainian people, especially the residents of the places that have been hit by relentless bombings," Francis said.

"May (God's) spirit transform the hearts of those who have the fate of the war in their hands, so that the hurricane of violence stops and peaceful coexistence in justice can be rebuilt.