New Pope calls war in Ukraine "imperialist invasion"

The newly elected Pope Leo XIV accused russia of an aggressive invasion of Ukraine, accompanied by crimes against humanity.

He said this in an interview with the Peruvian publication Semanario Expresión, which he gave at the very beginning of the full-scale invasion.

Robert Prevost condemned russia's war against Ukraine and called it a "true imperialist invasion."

"From my point of view, this is a true imperialist invasion, where russia wants to conquer territory for reasons of power and its own advantage due to its strategic location, as well as because of the great value that Ukraine has for russia in cultural, historical and industrial terms. This has already been proven, crimes against humanity are being committed in Ukraine. We must pray to God for peace, but I think we must also be clearer," the future Leo XIV said.

At the same time, he acknowledged that some politicians do not want to acknowledge russian war crimes, and this is a situation that "yell to heaven, that seeks a solution."

"And I think that we all have to insist a lot on promoting peace, on laying down arms. Today we can no longer resort to arms to solve problems. And we must look for other methods, and God willing, at least for the time being, there will be a pause in all this violence, whether because of Holy Week or because so many innocent people are dying, dying because of this unjust aggression," he said.

Recall, the previous Pope Francis repeatedly called on russia and Ukraine to lay down their arms, did not call russia an aggressor and did not condemn putin's actions.

At the same time, in the status of Pope, Robert Prevost has not yet commented on the war in Ukraine.

Recall, on May 8, white smoke appeared from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, which testified to the election of the new Pope. The decision was made on the second day of voting. Robert Francis Prevost became the first Pope from the United States.

US President Donald Trump congratulated Robert Francis Prevost on his election as Pope, and called it an honor for the United States. He added that he was looking forward to meeting him.

In February of this year Robert Prevost criticized US Vice President JD Vance's statements about the "order of love," calling them inconsistent with the words of Jesus.

To request a correction, please send an email.