Vatican denies plans for Francis’ trip to Moscow
Published: Wednesday, Mar 20th 2024, 15:20
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The Vatican has denied reports of a planned visit to Moscow by Pope Francis. The spokesman for the head of the Catholic Church, Matteo Bruni, told the German Press Agency in Rome on Wednesday: "This is not true."
The French online service Intelligence Online had previously reported that Francis had received an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin and had already accepted it. The trip should therefore take place in June. On his way home to Rome, the Pope could then also visit the Ukrainian capital Kiev, it was said.
The Vatican has been trying for some time to mediate in Russia's war of aggression against its neighboring country, which has been going on for more than two years. Francis has appointed the Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi as a special ambassador - but so far without any noticeable major success.
Last week, the Pope made headlines around the world with his interview comments on the war in Ukraine. With regard to Ukraine, he told Swiss television: "I think that the stronger person is the one who recognizes the situation, who thinks of the people, who has the courage of the white flag to negotiate." Elsewhere, he later added: "Negotiations are never a surrender." Many saw the interview as one-sided partisanship for Russia, which the Vatican firmly rejected.
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