Pope Francis Worked To Release Secret List of Prisoners
(DailyVantage.com) – During the seven-month-plus war between Russia and Ukraine, both sides have taken prisoners of war, though Russia’s collection seems to outnumber its neighbor. In a recent interview with La Civiltà Cattolica, Pope Francis revealed he helped to facilitate the release of many captives.
Since the invasion began, the Pope has made no secret of his mission to find paths for negotiation and dialogue between the two nations. According to Francis, “Ukrainian emissaries,” including a military chief, sought an audience with the Pope and asked for his help securing an exchange. It seems he might have been successful. On September 21, Russia and Ukraine traded nearly 300 people between them.
Pope Francis reveals he was involved in efforts to release 300 Ukrainian prisoners held by Russia https://t.co/Fse97lNMby
— Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) September 29, 2022
According to Pope Francis, his role included reaching out to the Russian ambassador, though he declined further explanation.
Ukraine received 215 citizens while releasing 55 Russians and Ukrainians with pro-Russia sentiments back to Moscow. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tried to retrieve five of his senior commanders, but Turkey’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, had to step in. Until the war ends, per negotiations, they will remain in Turkey.
The release, which took quite some time to secure, was a hard-fought win for Ukraine and Zelenskyy. The move surprised many because it occurred following President Vladimir Putin’s order for partial mobilization.
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