The US pope, who was elected by fellow cardinals in May after the death of his predecessor pope Francis, also condemned the "senselessness" of war and the "rubble and open wounds" it leaves behind.

Speaking to a crowd of some 26,000 people in St Peter's Square, the pope called for "solidarity with and acceptance of those in need" in Europe -- a possible reference to growing anti-immigration sentiment on the continent. "Let us pray in a particular way for the tormented people of Ukraine," he said. "May the parties involved, with the support and commitment of the international community, find the courage to engage in sincere, direct and respectful dialogue," he added. Russian and Ukrainian officials have spoken separately in recent weeks to US negotiators about proposals to end the war started by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Tens of thousands have been killed, eastern Ukraine decimated and millions forced to flee their homes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this week outlined key points of a plan to end the conflict after US talks. But Russian President Vladimir Putin has so far shown no willingness to compromise, doubling down on his hardline demands. (Bssnews)