Pope Francis has repeatedly denounced the Russian-Ukrainian conflict saying that the war makes him “suffer and cry”. He added, “May the weapons fall silent so that those who have the power to stop the war hear the cry for peace coming from all of humanity.”

On the other hand, Patriarch Kirill, the primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, has a different view, as he repeatedly supported war in Ukraine since the war started in February 2022.

In case Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill hold a meeting during the Kazakhstan interfaith summit, they would certainly have a lot to discuss given all of the public stands they have made since the eruption of Russian-Ukraine conflict.

Their anticipated meeting is of cardinal importance, as it is hoped that it would heal the gaping rift between the warring parties bearing in mind that this war has so far made millions of Ukrainians refugees and homeless, caused the death of thousands of people, damaged Ukraine's infrastructure, spiked unemployment, and  caused its economy to crumble thus creating an atmosphere of hopelessness.

At any rate, the key issue that would be discussed is the means to help negotiate a solution that would bring an end to the war, as well as the Pope's' desire to visit both Moscow and Kyiv.

In an interview with Reuters in July, the Pope said that he was hoping to travel to Kyiv depending on the condition of his knee, but that if he did, he wanted to visit Russia, too, in a bid to “serve the cause of peace.”

Actually, Pope Francis has all the time been a vocal supporter of peace at the global level for wherever he travels, he highlights the issue of maintaining security and stability while calling for the protection of human life.

It is hoped that both leaders would join efforts and find common denominators for ending bloodshed and ensuring the Russian and Ukrainian peoples good neighborly relations based on ensuring the two peoples a flowery and peaceful future.

Lord Jesus Christ said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9)