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The
pope, speaking to a delegation of Orthodox leaders in Rome,
referred to the conflict as one pitting Christians against one
another.
Both Russia and Ukraine are predominantly Orthodox Christian but
there is a sizeable Catholic minority in Ukraine.
"Reconciliation among separated Christians, as a means of
contributing to peace between peoples in conflict, is a most
timely consideration these days, as our world is disrupted by a
cruel and senseless war of aggression in which many, many
Christians are fighting one another," the pope said.
The Eastern and Western branches of Christianity separated in
the Great Schism of 1054.
The pope also told his Orthodox visitors, in a clear reference
to Russia, that all needed "to recognise that armed conquest,
expansionism and imperialism have nothing to do with the kingdom
that Jesus proclaimed".
It was the second consecutive day that the Pope spoke on the
Ukraine conflict. On Wednesday he condemned the bombing of a
crowded shopping centre in the city of Kremenchuk, the latest in
string of "barbarous attacks" against Ukraine.
(Reporting by Phil Pullella, editing by Nick Macfie)
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