Praying For Those Martyred In Ukraine, Pope Francis Urges War To End

Pope Francis holds the Ukrainian flag from Bucha. (Source: Vatican News)

JAKARTA - Pope Francis on Wednesday called for the halt to the current 'world war', inviting " everyone to be the builder of peace" as he called for special prayers for those martyred in Ukraine".

"I do not forget that Ukraine was martyred", Pope Francis said at the end of his weekly audience at St Peter's Square, Vatican.

"Facing all war scenarios in our time, I ask everyone to be the builder of peace, pray that thoughts, harmonious and reconciliation projects can spread throughout the world. Today we live through a world war, let's stop, please", continued the Pope.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, the Pope has on several occasions condemned the conflict, while at the same time containing direct criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"To Mother Maria, we entrust the victims of every war, especially the beloved Ukrainian population", Pope Francis said, speaking to thousands of pilgrims.

In July, the Pope explicitly accused Russia of "armed beatings, expansionism, and imperialism".

A month later, the Pope said in an exclusive interview with Reuters that he wanted to visit Kyiv but also Moscow, to promote peace.