He frequently speaks of the “martyred” Ukrainian people and implores for peace between the two nations. In March 2022, he consecrated Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The pope also came under criticism early last year for not directly naming Russian President Vladimir Putin as the aggressor in the war.
In October 2022, he made a direct appeal to the Russian president for an immediate cease-fire, imploring him to end the “spiral of violence and death” in Ukraine.
The appeal marked a break from Francis’ typical Sunday routine of reflecting on the day’s Gospel.
Pope Francis underlined that he chose to devote his entire reflection to Ukraine because the course of the war “has become so serious, devastating, and threatening that it has caused great concern.”
The pope has also indicated his willingness to help negotiate peace between the two countries.