Pope Francisco reveals the conversation: Victor Orban told me when the war in Ukraine ends

Pope Francescu has unveiled talks with Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban. Holy Father said Orban told him when they met in late April that Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to end the invasion of Ukraine on May 9th, Russia's Victory Day.

The pope made comments to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera in an interview published on Tuesday. “Orban, when I met him, told me that the Russians have a plan, that everything will be completed on May 9th”, Papa Francisco indicated.

This would also explain the speed of escalation of these days. Because now it's not just Donbas, it's Crimea, it's Odessa, it's taking the Black Sea port out of Ukraine, it's everything. There is not enough will for peace”, the Pope said, “I am pessimistic, but we must make every possible gesture to stop the fight”, the Holy Father added further.

Pope Francis reiterated earlier statements that he is ready to travel to Moscow to meet Putin and compared the war in Ukraine to the genocide in Rwanda.

We haven't received an answer yet and we continue to insist, even if I'm afraid Putin can't and doesn't want to have this meeting right now. 25 years ago we experienced the same thing with Rwanda”, Papa Francisco said.

The Pope said he would not travel to Kiev at the moment, and will send a representative.

I must first go to Moscow, first meet Putin. But I'm a priest too, what can I do? I'll do what I can. If Putin opens the door”, he said.