The Pope called on representatives of Russia to restore the Grain Agreement

On Sunday, July 30, Pope Francis appealed to the Russian side to restore the Black Sea Grain Agreement.

“Let’s not stop praying for Ukraine, where war destroys everything, including grain. This is a heavy insult to God, because grain is His gift to feed humanity. And the cry of the brothers and sisters who suffer from hunger goes up to heaven,” said Pope Francis  during the Sunday prayer.

In addition, Pope Francis addressed his “Russian brothers”.

“I call on my brothers, the representatives of the Russian authorities, to restore the Black Sea initiative so that there is an opportunity to safely transport grain,” the Pope said.

Pope Francis also mentioned another anniversary of the explosion in the port of Beirut, which occurred on August 4, 2020.

“I renew my prayers for the victims and their families who are seeking truth and justice, and I wish that the complex crisis in Lebanon will find its solution, worthy of the history and values of this nation,” he said.

Earlier, USM reported that on July 17, Russia announced the termination of the agreement with Turkey and the UN regarding the Black Sea Grain Initiative. After that, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation announced that it would consider ships going to Ukrainian ports as military targets. Subsequently, Russian troops launched a missile attack on the port infrastructure of Odesa Region.