Pope calls for exchange of the wounded between Ukraine and Russia

Pope Francis. Photo: Interfax

On 12 May, Pope Francis repeated his call for swapping prisoners of war between Ukraine and Russia, focusing specifically on the exchange of the seriously wounded and sick, reports Vaticannews.

"At a time when we celebrate the Ascension of the Risen Lord, who gives us freedom and wants us to be free, I renew my call for a general exchange of all prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine, assuring the readiness of the Holy See to facilitate any effort in this direction, especially with regard to the seriously wounded and sick," the pontiff said after Sunday prayers.

The Pope also called for prayers for peace in Ukraine, Palestine, Israel in Myanmar.

As reported by the UOJ, Pope Francis was invited to the summit on Ukraine in Switzerland.

Read also

ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill

Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown

Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.

Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions

A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.

Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law

Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.

Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment

The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.

Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful

Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.