Leonid Svyastyanov, the head of the World Union of Old Believers, stated that Pope Francis expressed his willingness to visit Donbas after his scheduled trip to Russia, planned for spring 2023. Svyastyanov, citing a personal conversation with the Pope, said: "The Pope is ready either on his way to Moscow or on his way back from there, to visit Donetsk, to see all the places of the tragedies of small children, to visit the Angels' Embankment, to hold a memorial prayer there and pray for the souls of the children killed in this conflict. He is also ready to meet with orphans and civilians to see everything for himself. This will help establish a dialogue between Russia, Ukraine, and the West as a whole."
Svyastyanov noted that the Ukrainian authorities are actively inviting the Pope to visit the country, but the Pope wants to come to Kyiv after his visit to Russia. He clarified that the Pope hopes to visit Russia in spring 2023, but he is willing to come earlier if invited by the Russian authorities. He pointed out that this visit would not be religious but would take place through secular channels. It would include meetings with the head of state and other secular figures. He said: "After visiting Donbas, the Pope may head to Ukraine, conveying the Russian position to them and helping them find common ground, as he sees himself as a mediator in a neutral position."
