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From the Pope – a message to Russia and Ukraine
🇱🇹 Lithuania /Conflict & Security

From the Pope – a message to Russia and Ukraine

From Delfi · () Lithuanian

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Pope Francis urged an end to the war in Ukraine and Russia, highlighting the increasing civilian casualties, including children.
  • He called for respect for international humanitarian law and an end to attacks on civilian targets by both sides.
  • UN data indicates over 16,000 civilians have been killed in the nearly four-and-a-half-year conflict, with a significant increase in casualties reported in the first half of this year.

Pope Francis has issued a heartfelt plea for an end to the conflict in Ukraine and Russia, lamenting the rising toll of innocent lives lost and injured.

Speaking to the faithful before the Angelus prayer on Sunday, the pontiff noted the "tragic incidents" that are increasing the number of civilian victims, "including children."

Tragic incidents are increasing, and with them, the number of civilian victims, including children.

— Pope FrancisThe Pope described the escalating human cost of the conflict.

"Once again, from the bottom of my heart, I urge respect for international humanitarian law and for both sides to cease attacks on civilian targets," he added.

The United Nations Human Rights Office reported in July that civilian casualties in Ukraine had risen by more than a third in the first half of this year. This increase is attributed to a greater number of drone attacks. The UN estimates that over 16,000 civilians have been killed in the nearly four-and-a-half-year war, with the majority being Ukrainian.

Once again, from the bottom of my heart, I urge respect for international humanitarian law and for both sides to cease attacks on civilian targets.

— Pope FrancisThe Pope called for adherence to international law and an end to attacks on civilians.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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