SW News: Pope Francis has condemned the Russian attack on a shopping center in Kremenchuk, central Ukraine, which killed 18 people as “barbaric”. He made this comment at the Angelus address on Wednesday, June 29. He even made an appeal for dialogue and an end to the war in war-torn Ukraine, which continues to be “scourged by barbaric attacks”.

On Monday, June 27, a Russian missile strike hit a shopping mall in Kremenchuk and the following day it was reported that at least 18 were killed and 36 went missing.

According to the Vatican, the Pope addressed an estimated 15,000 people at St Peter’s Square and expressed closeness to Ukraine saying, “I pray that this foolish war may soon see an end, and I renew the invitation to persevere, without tiring, in the prayer for peace. May the Lord open those paths of dialogue that men are unwilling or unable to find and let us not neglect to come to the aid of the Ukrainian people, who are suffering so much.”

The G7 called this attack a “Russian war crime” and according to the Vatican, the Ukrainian President has accused Russia of directly targeting civilians. The holy father has also urged nations to help the suffering Ukrainians.

Meanwhile, the 85-year-old pope extended his best wishes to the faithful and those who had come to celebrate the feast of Saints Peter and Paul. He also lamented the fire outbreak caused by high temperatures and drought.