Putin rebuffs Pope’s request for visit to Moscow

Pope Francis has asked for a meeting in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to stop the war in Ukraine.

Putin has not responded.

Francis told Italy’s Corriere Della Sera newspaper that about three weeks into the conflict, he asked the Vatican’s top diplomat to send a message to Putin.

He said the message made clear he was willing to go to Moscow.

“Certainly, it was necessary for the Kremlin leader to allow an opening. We have not yet received a response and we are still insisting,” Francis said.

“I fear that Putin cannot, and does not, want to have this meeting at this time. But how can you not stop so much brutality?”

Russia’s orthodox Catholic pope has reportedly being in support of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.