Pope, in toughest comments yet, calls Ukraine invasion 'armed aggression'

Pope Francis speaks to the audience during the Holy Mass on the 400th anniversary of the Canonisation of St Ignatius of Loyola, Saint Isidoro the Farmer, Francesco Saverio, Saint Teresa of Jesus and Filippo Neri, at the Jesuit Church of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, in Rome, Italy, March 12, 2022. Vatican Media/Handout via REUTERS - ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis issued his toughest condemnation yet of the invasion of Ukraine, saying on Sunday the "unacceptable armed aggression" must stop.

Speaking to thousands of people in St. Peter's Square for his Sunday blessing, Francis also said that the killing of children and unarmed civilians was "barbaric" and with "no valid strategic reason".