Pope Francis laments “barbaric” bombing of children in Ukraine

Pope Francis has described as “barbaric” and of “no valid strategic reason” the bombing of children hospital in Ukraine.Â

The head of the Catholic Church prayed to the Virgin Mary and the city that bears her name – Mariupol.

He said the Mariupol has become a city of martyrs in the ongoing war in Ukraine.

More than 1,500 people have died in the besieged city and the deputy mayor claimed the area had been ‘totally destroyed’.

Thousands of its inhabitants remain without food, water, electricity or heat as relentless shelling continued to blast shops and residential apartments.

Russia bombed a children’s and maternity hospital on Wednesday in Mariupol, killing at least three people, including a six-year-old girl.

Pope Francis called for an end to the armed aggression, before it reduces ‘cities to cemeteries’, and he expressed horror over the ‘barbaric’ killing of children, innocents and unarmed civilians.

‘With pain in my heart I join my voice to that of the common people, who implore an end to the war,’ he said.

‘Let there be a real and decisive focus on negotiation, and let the humanitarian corridors be effective and safe.’

In his Angelus address to the world Pope Francis asked for refugees to be welcomed while expressing his gratitude for the great network of solidarity that exists.

He also asked that all diocesan and religious communities increase their efforts in praying for peace.

He added: ‘God is only God of peace, he is not God of war, and those who support violence profane his name.’

In conclusion, he asked everyone in the Square to pray in silence for those suffering and for God to convert hearts to a firm will for peace.

It his last address, the Pope said: ‘Rivers of blood and tears are flowing in Ukraine. This is not just a military operation but a war which is sowing death, destruction and misery.’