Pope slams 'impotence of international organizations' unable to stop Russia's invasion while holding up Ukrainian flag

• The pope slammed international organizations for being unable to stop Russia's attack in Ukraine.
• He also denounced the recent massacre in Bucha while kissing a battered flag from the town.

Pope Francis slammed international organizations for being unable to stop Russia's invasion of Ukraine and called for the end of the war while holding a Ukrainian flag Wednesday.

"In the current war in Ukraine, we are witnessing the impotence of international organizations," he said in front of a weekly audience at the Vatican, according to CBS News.

The pope pointed to international organizations that were put in place following World War II to instill a "new era of peace," and said: "Unfortunately the old story of competition between the greater powers went on."

Pope Francis also denounced the attacks in Bucha while kissing the Ukrainian flag, which was brought to him from the ruins of the town.

"Recent news from the war in Ukraine, instead of bringing relief and hope, brought new atrocities, such as the massacre of Bucha," he said, according to CBS News.

He continued: "They are victims whose innocent blood cries out up to heaven and implores: 'Stop this war! Let the weapons fall silent! Stop sowing death and destruction.'"

He then invited a group of Ukrainian children who are now refugees in Italy up to the stage, CNN reported.

"These children had to flee and come to a strange land. This is one of the fruits of war," he said. "Let's not forget them, and let's not forget the Ukrainian people."

The pope has yet to visit Ukraine since the war began on February 24, but said on April 2 that a visit to the eastern European country is "on the table," according to CNN.