Pope Francis calls for Orthodox Easter truce in Ukraine

On Sunday, April 24, Pope Francis reiterated his call for an Orthodox Easter truce in Ukraine.

That's according to The Guardian, Ukrinform reports.

"Instead of halting, the war has become worse. It is sad that on these most holy and solemn days for Christians we hear more of the murderous noise of weapons than that of the bells announcing the resurrection […] I renew the appeal for an Easter truce, the smallest tangible sign of a willingness for peace. Stop the attacks to ease the suffering of exhausted people," the pontiff said.

He recalled that fighting erupted two months ago on February 24.

According to the report, the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine flew among the faithful gathered on St Peter's Square.

On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the beginning of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian troops have been shelling and destroying critical infrastructure and residential areas of Ukrainian cities, towns and villages using artillery, multiple launch rocket systems, and ballistic missiles.

The invaders staged mass terror in the temporarily occupied territories.

Photo: Vatican Media