Pope says visit to Kyiv still 'on the table'

Pope Francis said he was still considering a visit to Ukraine's capital of Kyiv following invitations from the mayor and the president.

Aboard the papal plane en route to Malta for an official two-day visit, Francis was asked by a reporter whether a visit to the city was still possible. "Yes, it's on the table'', replied the 85-year-old.

In a March 8 letter to the Pope written in English, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said Francis' presence in the capital "is key for saving lives and paving the path to peace in our city, country and beyond." "We appeal to you, as a spiritual leader, to show your compassion, to stand with the Ukrainian people by jointly spreading the call for peace'', wrote Klitschko. - AFP