ROME – The Pope has spoken of Ukraine needing to consider negotiations to end the ongoing war with Russia.
In weighing up the debate between those who say it is time for Ukraine to consider a negotiated settlement and those who argue the country must fight on, the Pope has said he believes “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”.
His comments came to light on 9 March, with the publication of a recent papal interview that was given to Italian journalist Lorenzo Buccella from the Swiss broadcaster RSI, and which is expected to be broadcast on March 20 as part of a new cultural program.
“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,” the Pope said, noting that many countries, including Turkey, have voiced a willingness to mediate.
Francis’s comments marked the first time he had used the term “white flag” or “defeated” in reference to the Ukraine war, raising alarm from Ukrainian authorities and allies who have supported Ukraine for the past two years, since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni made a statement to journalists explaining that the term “white flag” had been used by the interviewer, and that Pope Francis had simply repeated it “to indicate a cessation of hostilities and a truce reached with the courage of negotiations”.
“His hope is a diplomatic solution for a just and lasting peace,” Bruni said.
Asked if he was willing to mediate, the Pope, who has repeatedly prayed for “martyred Ukraine” and its people, said, “I am here.”
“One may feel shame, but how many dead will it end up with?” he said, referring to the apparent stalemate of the Ukraine war, and urged both parties to “find a country that can be a mediator…Do not be ashamed of negotiating, before things get worse.”
Also asked about the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Palestine, Pope Francis said: “We have to move forward,” and noted that every day he calls the Holy Family Catholic parish in Gaza, where some 600 people are sheltering.
“Two people are making war, not one…the irresponsible ones are those who wage war,” the Pope said. “Then there is not only the military war, (but) there is also the ‘guerilla war’, so to speak, of Hamas for example, a movement that is not an army. It’s a terrible thing.”
While the Pope discussed how it is right to defend oneself – which has been both Ukraine and Israel’s justification of their ongoing military actions – he also appeared to touch on the issue of proportionality, while lamenting that the greatest investments in the world’s economy are currently in the global arms trade, calling war “madness”.
“Defend ourselves, not destroy,” he said, adding “there is always some geographical or historical situation that causes a war…but behind a war there is the arms industry, and this means money.”
Photo: People wave Ukrainian flags at St. Peter’s square as Pope Francis addresses the crowd during his Sunday Angelus prayer at the Vatican, 10 March 2024. (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images.)
Areas of Catholic Herald business are still recovering post-pandemic.
However, we are reaching out to the Catholic community and readership, that has been so loyal to the Catholic Herald. Please join us on our 135 year mission by supporting us.
We are raising £250,000 to safeguard the Herald as a world-leading voice in Catholic journalism and teaching.
We have been a bold and influential voice in the church since 1888, standing up for traditional Catholic culture and values. Please consider donating.