Pope Francis called on Catholic parishes across Europe. (File Photo)
Pope Francis called on Catholic parishes across Europe on Sunday to donate generously on April 24 to the victims of the Ukraine conflict, particularly the elderly and children.
The Argentinian said his thoughts were with "those who remain in areas hit by hostilities that have already caused several thousand deaths and those -- over a million -- who have been forced to leave.
"As well as accompanying them with my constant thoughts and prayers, I have decided to mobilise humanitarian help for them," the pontiff told the faithful gathered in Saint Peter's Square at the end of a mass.
"To this end, there will be special collections on Sunday April 24 in all European Catholic churches. I urge the faithful to support this papal initiative with generous contributions," he added.
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