Pope urged to prevent the growth of tensions in Donbass

Pope Francis expressed his concern over the aggravation of the situation in Donbass. He called to prevent the growth of tensions in the East of Ukraine.

This was discussed at his Sunday sermon, Vatican news_copy reports.

The pontiff noted that he is watching with concern the events that are unfolding in Donbass, where "the number of ceasefire violations has increased in recent months."

"Please, I insistently ask you to prevent the growth of tensions, so that, on the contrary, gestures are carried out that can maintain mutual trust and promote reconciliation and peace, which are very necessary and very desirable," he said.

The Pope expressed concern about the difficult humanitarian situation in the occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions and called for prayer for the local population.