Pope Francis shocks with comments on Ukraine

Pope Francis has said that Ukraine must show “courage” in negotiations and perhaps raise the “white flag” to end the conflict with Russia!

These remarks were made in an interview recorded in February. Many interpreted these remarks as a call for Ukraine to compromise or surrender in the face of aggression, and this immediately caused an uproar.

Leaders in Ukraine vehemently rejected Pope Francis’s suggestion of negotiations with Russia to bring an end to the war. Francis had used the term “white flag” in a recent interview that drew particular scorn. https://t.co/iIBp47QYDT

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) March 11, 2024

Ukrainian officials and world leaders alike reacted vehemently. Ukrainian representatives resolutely asserted their country’s position.

“Our flag is yellow and blue,” said Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s foreign minister, on Twitter.

Kuleba called on the Vatican not to fly another flag, but rather to take a clear stance against evil.

In an address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky resonated with the sentiment and highlighted the support of religious figures on the ground.

Politicians from various nations also expressed disappointment at the Pope’s remarks, while Matteo Bruni, the Vatican spokesman, responded to the uproar by attempting to clarify the Pope’s comments.

He explained that Francis had used the expression “white flag” in reference to a truce resulting from negotiations, not a capitulation. According to the spokesman, the Pope favors diplomatic approaches aimed at establishing a lasting and equitable peace, rather than promoting surrender.

Kiev has already criticized Pope Francis for his past comments on the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The criticism includes the Pope’s controversial praise of the historic leaders of the Russian empire and his suggestions that “NATO barking at Russia’s door” may have contributed to the invasion of Ukraine.