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Pope Francis prayed for those suffering as a result of Russia's heavy bombardment during a General Audience this week, urging national leaders to put aside war and

embrace peaceful coexistence in justice.

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Ukraine has been struck by the heaviest bombardments since the early days of the war with Russian missile strikes hitting multiple locations in the centre of

the capital, Kyiv as well as Lviv, Dnipro, Kharkiv, and other cities. Attacks have resulted in the loss of several lives, with numerous casualtie reported. The Holy Father

made his latest appeal for peace towards the end of his Wednesday Audience in St Peter's Square, speaking to the thousands of pilgrims gathered with him he said:

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“In these days my heart is with the Ukrainian people, especially to the inhabitants of the places where the bombings have raged.”

"I carry within me their pain," the Pope said, "and through the intercession of the Holy Mother of God, I present it in prayer to the Lord God [who] always hears the cry of those who invoke Him."

“May His Spirit transform the hearts of those who hold the fate of the war in their hands, so that the hurricane of violence may cease and peaceful coexistence in justice may be rebuilt.”

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You can find out more on the Vatican website.

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