Pope Francis Visits Russian Embassy to ‘Express His Concern’ Over War in Ukraine

An unlikely figure has come forth in an effort to broker peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Pope Francis visited the Russian Embassy in Rome on Friday to convey his concerns over the invasion of Ukraine. Reuters reports the pope spent about a half an hour meeting with Russian Ambassador to the Holy See Aleksandr Avdeyev.

“He went to express his concern over the war,” Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said. Meanwhile Avdeyev said that the pope “called for the protection of children, the protection of the sick and suffering, and the protection of people.”

The visit arrives just two days after the pope addressed the conflict in a statement on Twitter.

“I would like to appeal to those with political responsibilities to make a serious examination of conscience before God, who is the God of peace and not of war, the Father of all, not just of some, who wants us to be brothers and not enemies,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin echoed Pope Francis’ remarks in a statement on Thursday, calling on “those who hold in their hands the fortune of the world” to have “a glimmer of conscience.” 

“The pope spoke of great sorrow, anguish and concern,” Parolin said. “He also urged all the parties involved to refrain from any action that would cause even more suffering to the people. This appeal has taken on dramatic urgency following the beginning of Russian military operations.” 

Parolin added, “The tragic scenarios that everyone feared are becoming a reality. Yet there is still time for goodwill, there is still room for negotiation. We continue to pray and cast as we shall do this coming Ash Wednesday for peace in Ukraine and the entire world.”