"All on all": Pope called Ukraine and Russia to exchange prisoners

The Pontiff headed the Saint Peter's Square in the Vatican of the Holy Mass, after which he addressed the believers and stated that "war is always an absurdity and defeat. " On Sunday, March 31, Pope Francis during the Easter message "Urbi et Orbi" in the Vatican, remembering the war in Israel and Ukraine, stated the need for respect for the principles of international law, and also called for the exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine. About it reports Vatican News.

According to Pontiff, the exchange should be made according to the formula "all on all". "My thoughts are primarily victims of numerous conflicts that continue in the world, starting from war in Israel and Palestine, as well as in Ukraine. Let the Risen Christ open the road of peace for the suffering population of these regions. Calling for respect for the principles of international law, I express my wishes.

About the overall exchange of all captives between Russia and Ukraine: everyone is all! " - said Pope Francis. He called for the fastest release of the hostages as a sector of Gaza, captured on October 7, 2023, and an immediate ceasefire. At the same time, the Pope did not say anything about the victims and hostages of the war, which was unleashed by Russia in Ukraine. "War is always absurd and defeat! Let's not allow the winds of the war even stronger to blow over Europe and the Mediterranean.

Let's not be subjected to the logic of weapons and re -equipment. Peace is never built by weapons, but reaching out to each other's hands and opening hearts," the Pope added. In addition, the Pontiff in his message mentioned Syria, Lebanon, Western Balkans, and called for negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We will remind, on February 8 the last exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and the Russian Federation took place. Kiev returned home from Russian captivity 100 defenders.