Ukraine war: ‘In the name of God – stop this massacre’ – Pope’s message to Vladimir Putin

Pope Francis has called on Vladimir Putin to stop the “massacre” in Ukraine, warning cities risk being “reduced to cemeteries”.

He said “this unacceptable armed aggression” against Ukraine must stop.

Speaking in his Sunday address, the pontiff described Russian strikes on children’s hospitals and civilians as “barbaric” and said they have no “valid strategic reason”.