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Pope Francis has called for Wednesday 26 January to be a day of prayer for peace, expressing concern that increasing tensions in Ukraine threaten peace in the region.

An estimated 100,000 Russian troops have amassed on the Ukrainian border, with the head of Nato warning of an increased risk of conflict in Europe; Russia denies any plans for military action.

The Pope has expressed concerns regarding the tensions over Ukraine on a number of occasions previously, encouraging people to pray for peace and dialogue, that negotiation may prevail in resolving the situation. At the conclusion of Sunday's midday Angelus, he expressed concern that events in the Ukraine could threaten to overturn chances for peace and security in the European continent in general, given the wider repercussions of any conflict. The Pope said:

“I make a heartfelt appeal to all people of good will to raise prayers to Almighty God that all political actions and initiatives may be at the service of human brotherhood rather than partisan interests.”

Pope Francis added that those who pursue their own objectives to the detriment of others show contempt for their own vocation as human beings, as we have all been created brothers and sisters.