Pope calls for negotiations in Ukraine war
Published: Sunday, Mar 10th 2024, 13:31
Updated At: Sunday, Mar 10th 2024, 13:31
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Pope Francis has called for negotiations in view of the war in Ukraine, which has been going on for more than two years. "When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well, you must have the courage to negotiate," said the head of the Catholic Church in an interview published in advance by Swiss television at the weekend. Without directly naming either of the two parties to the conflict, Russia or Ukraine, he added: "Don't be ashamed to negotiate before things get worse." Elsewhere in the interview, he said: "Negotiations are never a surrender."
The pontiff referred to mediation offers from various sides, such as Turkey. The Vatican itself has also been trying to mediate between Moscow and Kiev practically since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression on the neighboring country in February 2022 - so far without success. Pope spokesman Matteo Bruni refuted reports that the Pope had called on Ukraine to surrender in the interview. According to the public broadcaster RSI, the conversation took place at the beginning of February.
In it, Francis is also asked about demands from Ukraine for "the courage to surrender, the white flag", which others see as legitimizing the stronger side. The Pope responds in general terms: "That is a question of perspective. But I think that the stronger side is the one that recognizes the situation, that thinks of the people, that has the courage of the white flag to negotiate."
Elsewhere in the interview, the Vatican also discusses possible mediation in the Gaza war, which has been going on since October last year. The head of more than 1.4 billion Catholics said that he was available: "I have written a letter to the Jews of Israel to reflect on this situation. Negotiations are never a surrender. It is the courage not to drive the country to suicide." He adds: "A war is fought in pairs, not alone. The irresponsible are the two who wage it."
In Ukraine, the term "white flag", which the Pope used, was understood as a call to surrender and triggered angry reactions. "It seems strange that the Pope is not calling for the defense of Ukraine, not condemning Russia as an aggressor that is killing tens of thousands of people," wrote former MP and Deputy Interior Minister Anton Herashchenko on the X network (formerly Twitter).
The former Ukrainian ambassador to Austria, Olexander Scherba, called the Pope a "man of little faith", quoting a Bible passage. Official Kiev authorities did not comment. Ukraine rejects negotiations as long as Russia does not release the occupied territories. From previous statements by the Pope, Ukrainians already have the feeling that Francis has more sympathy for Russia than for their attacked country.
©Keystone/SDA
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