Ukraine’s leadership must be “far-sighted” to secure peace, says Mr. Pope Francisassuming that Kyiv will have to make concessions in order to end the war with Russia.

Earlier this month, the head of the Roman Catholic Church called for a ceasefire to prevent an escalation in the conflict and asked God to “hurry up” to end the war.

In an open letter covering nine months after the Russian invasion, Francis praised the strength shown by the Ukrainians in the face of the attack.

“The world has known courageous and strong people, people who suffer and pray, cry and fight, resist and hope: noble and tortured people,” he writes in his letter.

The Pope also said that he was praying for the leaders of Ukraine. “They are tasked with leading the country in tragic times and making forward-thinking decisions for peace and economic development while so much vital infrastructure is being destroyed.”

President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky Last week, he said that his country is ready for peace, but only on its own terms, which include the restoration of all occupied territories.

In an interview last week, Pope Francis said the Vatican was ready to do everything it could to mediate and end the war.