Pope Francis delivered a grim prediction over the weekend about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, classifying the conflict as a “World war” that won’t see an “end” for some time, writes newsweek.com.

The religious leader, who turned 86 on Saturday, revealed his thoughts on the war in a new interview with the Spanish newspaper, ABC, that was published Sunday.

“I do what I can. They don’t listen”, - the pope said. “What is happening in Ukraine is terrifying. There is enormous cruelty. It is very serious. And this is what I decry continuously”.

The pope, who has repeatedly spoken out against the ongoing conflict, also said he doesn’t see “a short-term end to [the war in Ukraine] since it is a world war”.