Pope tasks cardinal with mission aimed at paving ‘paths to peace’ in Ukraine

Pope Francis leaves after an audience with the dioceses of Spoleto and Norcia in the Paul VI Hall, at the Vatican (AP)

Pope Francis has tasked a leading Italian cardinal with a mission in hope it can “ease tensions” in the Ukraine war and lead to a path of peace, the Vatican said.

In a brief written statement, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said that Francis had entrusted the mission to Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, who is close to the pontiff.