Pope Francis calls on Russia to restore the grain deal

Pope Francis has called on Russia to reverse its decision to withdraw from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and restore the grain deal, Reuters reports.

"I appeal to my brothers, to the authorities of the Russian Federation, so that the Black Sea Initiative can be resumed and grain can be transported safely," Francis said.

The Pope called on the faithful to continue to pray "for martyred Ukraine, where the war is destroying everything, even grain," calling it "a grave insult to God."

Francis added that "the cry of millions of brothers and sisters who are suffering from hunger is rising up to the sky."

It will be recalled that Russian President Vladimir Putin ignored Turkish President Erdoğan's request to hold talks on the grain deal. On July 17, Russia unilaterally withdrew from the agreement.

Photo: Guglielmo Mangiapane