Pope Francis has called for Ukraine to have the ‘courage’ to consider negotiations to end the war with Russia.
He said that the country needed to consider the ‘white flag’.
Francis also said that the situation there is only going to continue to deteriorate.
Matteo Bruni from the Holy See Press Office clarified the remarks saying:
“The Pope uses the term white flag, and responds by picking up the image proposed by the interviewer, to indicate a cessation of hostilities, a truce reached with the courage of negotiation. Elsewhere in the interview, speaking of another situation of conflict, but referring to every situation of war, the Pope clearly stated: ‘Negotiations are never a surrender.’”
Some are believing that Francis is encouraging Ukraine to ‘surrender’ but the interview reveals him encouraging negotiated peace:
In Ukraine, some call for the courage of surrender, of the white flag. But others say that this would legitimize the stronger party. What do you think?”
Pope Francis replied: “That is one interpretation. But I believe that the stronger one is the one who sees the situation, who thinks of the people, who has the courage of the white flag, to negotiate. And today, negotiations are possible with the help of international powers. The word ‘negotiate’ is a couragous word. When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well, it is necessary to have the courage to negotiate. You may feel ashamed, but with how many deaths will it end? Negotiate in time; look for some country that can mediate. Today, for example in the war in Ukraine, there are many who want to mediate. Turkey has offered itself for this. And others. Do not be ashamed to negotiate before things get worse.”
The reaction to the pope’s comments has been one of anger.
The vitriol has even extended to calls to assassinate the pope for his comments.
