During his trip to Hungary next week, the Pope will call for peace in Ukraine, according to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State.

Parolin noted that "this visit in itself is a visit that has been planned for some time. It does not fit directly into today's current affairs."

"Still, I think the Pope will take advantage as he always does of this visit to see if there is a possibility to take some steps toward peace, given Hungary's position in the international community. There was no specific issue, but he will certainly take advantage," ANSA quotes Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state.

Pope Francis will visit the Hungarian capital, Budapest (Ukr), April 28-30, where he will meet with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

In Hungary, the Pope will also meet with refugees, youth, members of the local church, and representatives of the cultural sector, as well as address the political and diplomatic authorities and lead Mass.

This will not be the first time that Francis has spoken about the desire for peace in Ukraine. Addressing Christians celebrating Easter on April 16, he prayed for Ukraine and Russia to achieve peace (Ukr). In his Easter message to the world on April 9, he called on Russians to seek the truth about their country's invasion of Ukraine.