Pope Francis asked Putin three times to organize a humanitarian corridor in Mariupol for civilians. But the Russian head of state refused to allow the pontiff to ensure his safety, Italian newspaper Il Messaggero says, citing sources.
"During these sixty days of conflict, Pope Francis has tried three times to reveal his moral authority over the Kremlin, sending direct messages to Moscow through diplomatic channels, and using the Patriarchate in an attempt to help create a humanitarian corridor in Mariupol. But Russia has made it clear to the Vatican three times that no security is guaranteed," the Herald says.
