Pope Francis called on Russia on Sunday to revive the Black Sea grain export deal under which Moscow allowed safe passage for Ukrainian exports through its ports despite the war.
"I appeal to my brothers in the authorities of the Russian Federation to resume the Black Sea Initiative and to transport the grain safely," the Pope said during a homily.
The Black Sea agreement to export grain from Ukrainian ports expired in mid-July.
Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to supply Africa with grain, some of it for free.
Since the conflict in Ukraine broke out last year, Francis has repeatedly condemned Russia's war of aggression, but has also sought to keep an open channel of communication with Moscow, with limited results
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