Pope Francis has addressed the ongoing unrest in Ukraine during his weekly address. Speaking to a gathered crowd in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, the pope rejected Russia's stance that its invasion of Ukraine was simply a "military operation". As reported by Reuters, Pope Francis told his congregates: "In Ukraine rivers of blood and tears are flowing. This is not just a military operation but a war which sows death, destruction, and misery." The pope's words are a response to those of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who described his nation's invasion of Ukraine as a "special military operation" <a href="https://vt.co/news/world/ukraine-russian-forces-invade-following-vladimir-putins-tv-declaration">on the morning of February 24</a>, in a televised address to the people of Russia. [[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/cnalive/status/1500469260094746627][] Since that morning, Ukraine has suffered repeated attacks from Russian forces by land, air, and sea, with the <a href="https://www.cbs17.com/russia-ukraine-conflict/united-nations-says-confirmed-ukrainian-civilian-death-toll-has-reached-351/">United Nations reporting</a> at least 351 civilian deaths in the European country. Additionally, the UN says more than 1.2 million refugees have fled Ukraine since Russia's invasion - with more than half crossed into Poland, per <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-putin-news-03-05-22/h_80a5075fc1b190f2b5963647dd6ca45a">CNN</a>. On Sunday (March 6), the pope also called for peace between the two nations, telling those in St. Peter's: "In that martyred country the need for humanitarian assistance is growing by the hour... Let common sense prevail, let us return to the respect of international law." [[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/Reuters/status/1500443587766538245]] Pope Francis then added: "The Holy See is willing to do everything to put itself at the service of peace," before mentioning that two Roman Catholic cardinals had traveled to Ukraine in order to provide assistance to those in need. "War is madness, please stop," he added. Reuters reports that there were more people "than normal" gathered in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, with some waving the flag of Ukraine. On Saturday, <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-putin-news-03-05-22/index.html">CNN</a> reported that US President Joe Biden had spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the phone in order to highlight "the ongoing actions undertaken by the United States, its Allies and partners, and private industry to raise the costs on Russia for its aggression in Ukraine." A statement from the White House read: "In particular, [Zelensky] welcomed the decision this evening by Visa and Mastercard to suspend service in Russia." Additionally, the statement explained: "President Biden noted his administration is surging security, humanitarian, and economic assistance to Ukraine and is working closely with Congress to secure additional funding." The call between the two leaders reportedly lasted for half an hour. If you would like to know how you can support the Ukrainian people at this time, click <a href="https://vt.co/news/world/heres-how-you-can-support-those-affected-by-the-ongoing-crisis-in-ukraine">HERE</a> to find a list of organizations and groups dedicated to helping those affected by this crisis. <h6>Featured image credit: ZUMA Press Inc / Alamy</h6>

Pope Francis rejects Russia's claims of a 'military operation' and calls crisis in Ukraine 'a war'

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