Pope Francis has said that war in Ukraine would be madness and hopes that frictionbetween Ukraineand Russia can be resolvedthrough multi-lateral dialogue.

Speaking at his Wednesday general audience, Francis thanked those who took part in his January 26 international day of prayer for peace in Ukraine.

Let us continue to beg the God of peace so that the tensions and threats of war can be overcome through a serious dialogue and that the Normandy Format talks can contribute to this aim, he said, referring to negotiations involving Russia and Ukraine, facilitated by Germany and France.

And lets not forget. War is madness, he said.

Russia is estimated to have more than 100,000 troops stationed near its border with Ukraine but has denied Western accusations that it may be planning waron its neighbour.

Most Ukrainians follow Orthodox Christianity, however thecountry is also home to its own branch of the Catholic Church, which practices an eastern rite similar to Orthodox worship while proclaiming loyalty to the Pope in Rome.

On Tuesday, the leader of Ukraines Eastern-rite Catholics said he had invited Francis to visit, calling it a grandgesture that would help bring peace.

Speaking to reporters in a video conference from Kyiv, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk said there was no need to wait untilconditions wereideal and the visit could take place even in the current circumstances.

We have several times expressed the desire that the holy father visit Ukraine. We have invited him and repeated it often, Shevchuk said.

We are hopeful. Gestures are very important and visiting Ukraine would be a very strong gesture for all of humanity.

By F.Aslam