Pope Francis Condemns Russian Invasion Of Ukraine: This Is Not A Military Operation, But A War That Sows Death

Pope Francis. (Wikimedia Commons/Paris Orlando)

JAKARTA - Pope Francis on Sunday rejected Russia's use of the term "special military operations" for its invasion of Ukraine, saying the country was engulfed in war and pressing for an immediate end to the fighting.

"In Ukraine, rivers of blood and tears flow. This is not just a military operation, but a war that sows death, destruction, and misery," the pope said in his weekly speech to the crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square.

The comments were the most powerful the Pope has ever made about the violence although, as was the case during the conflict, he did not condemn Russia by name.

Instead, he repeated his calls for peace, the creation of humanitarian corridors, and a return to negotiations.

"In that martyred country, the need for humanitarian aid is increasing from time to time. War is crazy, please stop it," Pope Francis pleaded.

The day after Russia launched its invasion, Pope Francis went personally to the Russian Embassy to express his concerns, an unprecedented departure from usual diplomatic protocol.

From the start of Russia, President Putin said his military operations were not designed to occupy territory, but to destroy Ukraine's military capabilities and capture what he considered dangerous nationalist rulers.

More people than usual gathered in front of St Peter's Basilica for the Pope's Sunday appearance, some holding up the multi-colored peace flag as well as the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine.

"The Holy See is willing to do everything to put itself in the service of peace," the Pope said, adding that two Roman Catholic cardinals had traveled to Ukraine to help those in need, Konrad Krajewski of Poland and Michael Czerny of Canada.

Separately, Andriy Yurash, Ukraine's ambassador to the Vatican, told Reuters he was very, very happy that Pope Francis called the conflict a war.

"Even if the Pope doesn't utter the word 'Russia', everyone in the world knows who the aggressor attacked us and who started this unwarranted war," he said.

To note, on this occasion the Pope also thanked journalists who covered the battle despite the dangers, for reporting on the atrocities and suffering experienced.