Speaking to Italian television station RAI, the pontiff said the weakest always suffered the most in wars.
“The refugees are divided,” he added.
“First class, second class, by skin colour, whether you come from a developed country or a non-developed one.
“We are racists. And that’s bad.”
According to UN figures, more than 4.7 million Ukrainians have left the country since Russia invaded in late February.
Almost 10,000 refugees have arrived in Italy so far, according to the latest data from Italy’s interior ministry.
Later on Good Friday, when Christians remember the death of Jesus, Pope Francis held a public service at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began over two years ago.
Among the families who were entrusted with carrying the crucifix at each of the 14 stations of the cross were two women, one Russian and one Ukrainian, who are life-long friends.
The women carried the cross during one portion of the Way of the Cross, the traditional procession that commemorates the 14 stations of Jesus’ suffering and death, from his condemnation to his burial.
- With AAP
