Pope Francis has made another appeal to Russia’s president Vladimir Putin, urging him to stop what he has described as a ‘massacre’ in Ukraine.

The Pope says the 'unacceptable armed aggression' against the former Soviet state must stop, warning cities are being 'reduced to cemeteries.'

Pope Francis said: "With pain in my heart I join my voice to that of the common people, who implore an end to the war.

“In the name of God, let the cries of those who suffer be heard and let the bombings and attacks cease!

“Let there be a real and decisive focus on negotiation, and let the humanitarian corridors be effective and safe. In the name of God, I ask you: stop this massacre!

The Pope is also urging all religious communities to increase their efforts in praying for peace.

Pope Francis said: “God is only God of peace, he is not God of war, and those who support violence profane his name.”

He has asked if many refugees can be welcomed and expressed his appreciation for the great network of people coming to together in union that already exists in the nations.

Pope Francis took to Twitter and posted: "I would like once again to urge the welcoming of the many refugees, in whom Christ is present, and to give thanks for the great network of solidarity that has formed."

He also expressed his sadness for the city Mariupol which has been one of the city's badly effected by Russian shelling: "The city that bears the name of the Virgin Mary, Mariupol, has become a city martyred by the ruinous war that is devastating Ukraine."