Pope prays for end to Ukraine war: People killed, churches and heritage sites burned

 Pope Leo on Wednesday (June 17) decried the ongoing war in Ukraine, inviting everyone to pray for an end to the war.

 “There are many innocent victims, rescuers killed, and churches and cultural heritage sites devastated by flames”, the pope said during his weekly audience in St. Peter’s square, while calling for further dialogue.

 Leo also welcomed the interim deal between the United States and Iran to end the regional war in the Middle East, as an “encouraging result of patient work in dialogue and negotiation."

 Leo, who drew the ire of U.S. President Donald Trump after criticising the Iran war, said he hoped the deal may help “strengthen mutual trust, security and stability”.

-Production: Oriana Boselli/Reuters