Pope calls war in Ukraine global and does not see an end in near term

Pope Francis considers the war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine to be global and says he does not see an end in the near future.

The pontiff said this in an interview with the Spanish newspaper ABC.

"I do not see an end in the near term because this is a global war. Let's not forget this. There are many hands stirring up the war pot. It is global," he said.

According to him, war is waged when an empire begins to weaken and when there are weapons to be used, tested and sold.

"There is a great deal at stake," he said.

Pope Francis also stressed that the Vatican is ready to mediate in the cessation of hostilities.

"We do whatever we can… What is happening in Ukraine is terrifying. There is so much cruelty being deployed. This really is very serious," he said.