Pope Francis emphasized the importance of Ukraine showing courage by engaging in negotiations with Russia to end the war, urging the country not to feel ashamed about sitting down at the peace talks table. This plea was made in an interview conducted by Swiss broadcaster RSI and partially disclosed over the weekend.
“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,” Francis said.
Ukraine remains steadfast in its decision to not directly engage with Russia in peace talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently emphasized that the responsibility for initiating peace negotiations should lie with the country that has invaded Ukraine. In the midst of the ongoing war, which has now entered its third year, Russia is gaining momentum on the battlefield while Ukraine is facing a shortage of ammunition. Consequently, some of Ukraine’s Western allies are cautiously considering the possibility of deploying troops.
Following the interviewer’s use of the term “white flag,” Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni clarified that Pope Francis had adopted this phrase. This statement was issued in response to criticism suggesting that the Pope was taking sides with Russia in the conflict.
Throughout the war, Pope Francis has endeavored to maintain the Vatican’s traditional stance of diplomatic neutrality. However, his remarks have occasionally displayed a certain understanding of Russia’s justification for invading Ukraine, such as when he acknowledged NATO’s eastward expansion as a provocation towards Russia.
Francis also said that “the word negotiate is a courageous word.”
“When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well, you have to have the courage to negotiate,” he said. “Negotiations are never a surrender.”
The Pope further emphasized that certain nations have expressed their willingness to serve as intermediaries in the dispute.
“Today, for example, in the war in Ukraine, there are many who want to mediate,” he said. “Turkey has offered itself for this. And others. Do not be ashamed to negotiate before things get worse.”