The Vatican plans to keep open the possibility of dialogue with Russia, Pope Francis said on September 15 en route back to Rome from Kazakhstan.
"I don't exclude dialogue with any power that is in war, even if it's the aggressor," Francis said, reaffirming a long-standing policy on the need for dialogue even with countries that are hostile to the Catholic Church.
"Always take a step forward, with the hand outstretched, because the alternative is to close the only reasonable door to peace," said the pope, speaking during a press conference on the flight.
Francis visited Kazakhstan to participate in an interfaith peace conference that in its final communique called on all political leaders to stop conflict and bloodshed "in all corners of our world."
At the same time Francis affirmed that it was "morally acceptable" for Ukraine to receive weapons to defend itself against Moscow's invasion. He said such a defense is not only right but "also an expression of love for your country."
The motivation behind such fighting is key.
"It can be immoral if it's done with the intention of provoking more war or selling weapons or getting rid of the weapons that you don't need anymore," he said.