The role and influence religion plays in state affairs can’t be sidelined, as most religious leaders influence political actions and opinions. Pope Francis, the most important religious figure in the Western world, spoke on the war between Russia and Ukraine.
In a Swiss television interview released in early March, Pope Francis was asked whether Ukraine should surrender to Russia. The Pope’s response triggered controversies, as many people expressed dissatisfaction with his comments.
Pope Francis Calls for Ukraine to “Raise the White Flag” and Negotiate with Russia
In an interview with Swiss television, Pope Francis answered whether Ukraine should surrender to Russia in the ongoing war. “When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well,” the Pope said. “You need to have the courage to negotiate.”
“Negotiate in time and look for some country to act as a mediator,” Pope Francis added. “Don’t be ashamed to negotiate before things get worse. Negotiation is never a surrender.” However, the Pope’s speech triggered several reactions from people across the globe.
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The Russian Government Supports Pope Francis
After the interview aired, the Russian government supported the Pope’s speech calling for peace and negotiations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Pope Francis and Russian President Vladimir Putin shared the same opinion about negotiations.
“Putin has also repeatedly talked about our readiness and openness to resolving our problems through talks, and this is the preferred option,” Peskov declared.
Reaction From Polish Foreign Minister and Latvia President
Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski also aired his opinion on the Pope’s speech on X, formerly Twitter. “How about, for balance, encouraging Putin to have the courage to withdraw his army from Ukraine?” He said. “Peace would immediately ensue without the need for negotiations.”
Also, the Latvian president took a swipe at the Pope, saying, “One must not capitulate in the face of evil.” He added, “One must fight it and defeat it so that evil raises the white flag and capitulates.”
The EU Speaks
Alexandra Valkenburg, head of the EU delegation in the Vatican, also shared her opinion on X. “Russia started an illegal and unjustified war against Ukraine two years ago,” she wrote.
“Russia can end this war immediately by respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.” Valkenburg added, “The European Union supports Ukraine and its peace plan.” The Ukrainian government reacted to the Pope’s statement amid the backlash.
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister Responded to Pope Francis
In response to the Pope’s statement, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on X said, “Our flag is a yellow and blue one.” He added, “This is the flag by which we live, die, and prevail. We shall never raise any other flags.”
Kuleba added, “The strongest is the one who, in the battle between good and evil, stands on the side of good rather than attempting to put them on the same footing and call it ‘negotiations.'”
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President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Indirect Response
According to Reuters, although President Volodymyr Zelensky didn’t mention any names, he spoke on his nightly video address about the work done by religious leaders inside Ukraine. They support us with prayer, with their discussion, and with deeds,” Zelensky stated. “This is indeed what a church with the people is.”
“Not 2,500 km away, somewhere, virtual mediation between someone who wants to live and someone who wants to destroy you.” He added. Before the Pope’s speech, Zelensky argued multiple times that the initiative to start the peace talks should come from the country being invaded.
Vatican Backtracks After Pope’s Speech on “White Flag”
Following the backlash, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni clarified Pope Francis’ statement. He said the Pope meant that the Church supported “a stop of hostilities and a truce achieved through the courage of negotiation” rather than outright surrender.
Also, on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, the Vatican backtracked and urged Russia first to halt its “unjust” invasion. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state and second-highest ranking official after Francis, told the Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera that Russia “should first and foremost cease-fire.”
Furthermore, Parolin called the country the “aggressor” and the war in Ukraine “unjust.” “The war unleashed against Ukraine is not the effect of an uncontrollable natural disaster but of human freedom alone,” he said.
“And the same human will that caused this tragedy also has the possibility and responsibility to take steps to put an end to it and pave the way to a diplomatic solution.”
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