When Pope Francis announced he was thinking of visiting Ukraine, right now in the middle of the war, journalists aboard the papal plane returning from Malta were not in the least surprised.
Despite peace talks and hopes for a ceasefire, tensions continue to escalate. And the tone of Pope Francis' condemnation of the war has been escalating along with them.
When Pope Francis says he will do “whatever is necessary” to end the war in Ukraine, that is exactly what he means...
Ever since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Pope Francis has made it clear he intends doing everything he can – both to stop the war, and to help those who are suffering because of it.