SW News: During a phone call with Pope Francis, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva addressed ways to combat poverty in the Latin American nation. In addition, the Heads of State shared their thoughts on the possible peace-building in the Eastern European Nation of Ukraine, devastated by the war.

The Brazilian Government's website published a communique revealing the details of the brief phone call. President Lula recently reiterated his proposal to mediate for a peaceful conclusion to the Ukrainian war. He also thanked the Holy Father for encouraging peace in the war-torn country.

Expressing sorrow over the surging hostilities in Ukraine, President Lula has called on other international communities to establish peace there. According to the website, President Lula expressed his appreciation for the Pope's fight against poverty and the Brazilian Catholic Church's commitment to protecting the Amazon Basin, which is threatened by the exploiters. He also thanked the Holy Father for his recent statements supporting the Latin American country.

The website also said the President discussed with the pontiff the efforts to relaunch the nation's fight against poverty and hunger. And the two Heads are set to meet in person in the Vatican in June or July.

President Lula also invited Pope Francis to make a second visit to Brazil. The Holy Father visited the nation in 2013 during World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro.