VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis on Sunday condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and said the "unacceptable aggression" must be brought to an end.

Speaking to thousands of people in St. Peter's Square for his Sunday blessing, Pope said that Russia should stop its offensive and that the bombing of civilians and hospitals was barbaric.

"In the name of God I ask you: stop this massacre!," he said, adding that Ukrainian cities risked "being reduced to cemeteries."

Pope Francis' response came amid reports that there are several casualties in Russian attacks in residential areas of Ukraine.