Ukrainian and allied officials have expressed criticism towards Pope Francis following his recent remarks regarding the ongoing conflict with Russia.
In an interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI released Saturday, the pontiff suggested that Ukraine should exhibit the "courage of the white flag" and engage in negotiations to potentially end the war with Russia. However, many interpreted this statement as an insinuation for Ukraine to surrender.
Ukrainian, Allied Officials Defend National Resolve
Reacting to the Pope's comments, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his sentiments of defiance pervasive among Ukrainians, emphasizing their steadfast determination to resist Russian aggression.
"When it comes to the white flag, we know this Vatican's strategy from the first half of the twentieth century. I urge you to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past and to support Ukraine and its people in their just struggle for their lives," Kuleba wrote. "Our flag is a yellow and blue one. This is the flag by which we live, die, and prevail. We shall never raise any other flags."
Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski also responded to the Pope's statement, suggesting that the focus should be on encouraging Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukraine rather than pressuring Ukraine to negotiate. He emphasized that peace could be achieved immediately if Russia took such a step.
"How about, for balance, encouraging Putin to have the courage to withdraw his army from Ukraine?" Sikorski posted on X. "Peace would immediately ensue without the need for negotiations."
Additionally, Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, the head of Ukraine's Greek Catholic Church, emphasized that surrender is not an option for Ukrainians, despite the exhaustion caused by the ongoing conflict.
"Believe me, it never crosses anyone's mind to surrender," he affirmed.
Vatican Clarifies Pope's 'White Flag' Remark
In response to the backlash, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni clarified that the Pope's intention was not to advocate for Ukrainian surrender but rather to emphasize the importance of pursuing peace through negotiations.
Bruni explained that the phrase "white flag" was first used by the interviewer, not by Pope Francis himself, which prompted the response.
"The Pope picked up the image of the white flag, proposed by the interviewer, to indicate a cessation of hostilities, a truce reached with the courage of negotiation," Bruni said. "His hope is for a diplomatic solution for a just and lasting peace."
Pope Francis has attempted to remain diplomatically neutral amid the ongoing conflict between the two nations, despite the perception that some of his statements show "sympathy" towards Russia's viewpoint.
Nevertheless, the Pope has repeatedly called for a halt to hostilities and stressed that communication is essential to bringing about peace.
As the diplomatic discourse unfolds, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated that Ukraine will not engage in direct negotiations with Russia unless initiated by the aggressor.
Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of standing against evil and expressed gratitude for the support offered by religious figures within Ukraine.
