By Charles Igwe
During his weekly Angelus prayer and address on July 30, Pope Francis made a direct appeal to the authorities of the Russian Federation to reinstate the Black Sea Initiative and allow the safe transportation of grain from Ukraine to countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The Kremlin had recently suspended the grain deal, causing concerns over higher food prices and increased poverty in hunger-stricken countries. The Pope also requested prayers for Ukraine, condemning the destruction caused by war, especially the impact on grain supplies that are essential for feeding humanity. In response to appeals, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin offered to deliver grain for free to six African countries, though the deal remains uncertain. Pope Francis also spoke against human trafficking, highlighting its devastating impact on many vulnerable individuals worldwide.
