The Pope Francisco stated that he intends to visit Russia to talk with Vladimir Putin and ask for the end of the war in Ukraine, which began on February 24. In addition, he considered that NATO’s attitude facilitated the outbreak of the conflict and reiterated in statements to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera that at the moment a visit to kyiv is not in his plans.
Francis sent Putin, through Cardinal Parolin, the message that was ready to go to Moscow twenty days after the conflict broke out, on February 24. However, until now the head of the Catholic Church did not receive a reply, but insists on the concretion of that view. “Putin cannot and does not want to hold this meeting at this timeFrancis lamented.
Regarding the reasons that unleashed the war, the Supreme Pontiff considered that “NATO barking at the gates of Russia“, that is, NATO’s intention to expand its presence in Eastern Europe, could have “facilitated” the response of the Russian Federation. Although he considered himself a “pessimist”, Pope Francis asked to do everything possible so that the war is over.
The health of Pope Francis
Jorge Bergoglio is scheduled to undergo a infiltration in his knee due to a torn ligament that makes it difficult for him to walk and move independently. Francisco has been dragging this ailment since the beginning of the year.
In his last appearances, the Pope gave his speeches sitting down. Even some official commitments in recent weeks had to be canceled due to his knee discomfort.