JAKARTA - World Catholic Church leader Pope Francis on Sunday asked Russia to reverse its decision to abandon the Black Sea grain deal, in which Russia allowed Ukraine to export grains from its ports despite ongoing wars.
"I appeal to my brothers and sisters, the authorities of the Russian Federation, that the Black Sea initiative can be continued and the seeds can be transported safely," Pope Francis said in a weekly message.
It is known that global grain prices have surged since Russia left the precepts brokered by the United Nations and Turkey on July 17, accompanied by attacks on Ukrainian grain ports and infrastructure in the Black Sea and the Donau River.
Speaking in front of a crowd in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis called on the faith to continue praying "for the martyrs of Ukraine, where the war destroys everything, even grains," and called it "a great insult to God."
The leader of nearly 1.4 billion Catholics in the world said "the cries of millions of brothers and sisters suffering from hunger rose to the sky".
Russia itself declared out of the deal, after the extension period ended, saying its demands to ease sanctions for the export of grains and fertilizers were not fulfilled. Moscow also complained that there were not enough grains to reach poor countries.
Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to supply the seeds to Africa, some of which were free, but African Union leader Azali Assoumani, responded "may not be enough".
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It is known that since the conflict in Ukraine erupted last year, Pope Francis has repeatedly condemned the war of Russian aggression, but has also sought to keep lines of communication with Moscow, with limited results.
In May, he assigned the conference chief of Italian bishop Cardinal Matteo Zupi to act as a peace envoy. So far Cardinal Zuppi has visited Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington, seeking the repatriation of children from Russia and Russian-controlled areas to Ukraine.
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