Pope Francis calls for prayers for peace in Ukraine

This was reported by Vatican News, citing the press service of the patriarchate, Ukrinform reports.

“Confident in the mercy of God the Father, we continue to pray for peace: in suffering Ukraine, in Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Myanmar, which was also badly hit by the earthquake,” the pontiff said in his Sunday address.

Pope Francis also expressed deep concern over the situation in South Sudan, calling on leaders to do everything possible to reduce tensions in the country.

“We must put aside our differences and sit down with courage and responsibility to engage in constructive dialogue. Only in this way can we alleviate the suffering of South Sudan's beloved Pele and build a future of peace and stability,” he added.

Read also: Pe calls for prayers for peace in Ukraine

After being hospitalized recently with severe pneumonia, Pope Francis is recovering in his residence in the Vatican. The Pope's father still has difficulty speaking, so his reflections were released through the Holy See press service.

During his 38-day hospital stay with pneumonia, Pope Francis' condition was so critical that doctors considered stopping treatment to allow him to die peacefully.

Pope Francis was discharged from Gemelli Hospital on Sunday, March 23, after five weeks of treatment. Before leaving, he made his first public appearance since his hospitalization.

Photo: Angelus (Vatican Media)