ROME: Pope Francis, in an interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI, urged Ukraine to have the courage to negotiate an end to the war with Russia, emphasizing the importance of peace talks. The interview, recorded last month, featured the Pope’s call for both nations to sit at the same table with the help of international powers.
“I think that the strongest one is the one who looks at the situation, thinks about the people, and has the courage of the white flag, and negotiates,” stated Pope Francis. He clarified that negotiations should be facilitated with the assistance of international powers.
Despite the Pope’s appeal, Ukraine has remained firm on not engaging directly with Russia on peace talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky insists that the initiative in peace negotiations must belong to the country that has been invaded.
As Russia gains momentum on the battlefield, entering the third year of the war, Ukraine faces a shortage of ammunition. Some Western allies of Ukraine are delicately considering the possibility of sending troops to support the country.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni clarified that Pope Francis used the “white flag” term from the interviewer and issued a statement to address concerns that the Pope might be siding with Russia. Throughout the conflict, Pope Francis has sought to maintain the Vatican’s traditional diplomatic neutrality, although at times expressing apparent sympathy with the Russian rationale for invading Ukraine.
“The word negotiate is a courageous word,” Pope Francis emphasized, adding, “When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well, you have to have the courage to negotiate. Negotiations are never a surrender.”
The Pope also highlighted that several countries have offered to act as mediators in the conflict. “Today, for example, in the war in Ukraine, there are many who want to mediate. Turkiye has offered itself for this. And others. Do not be ashamed to negotiate before things get worse,” Pope Francis urged, noting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s offer to host a peace summit between Ukraine and Russia during a recent visit from President Zelensky.
