In a recent interview, Pope Francis sparked controversy by suggesting that Ukraine should consider negotiations with Russia amidst the ongoing conflict that has ravaged the region for years. The pontiff’s remarks come in the wake of Turkey’s offer to mediate a summit between the two nations to seek an end to the violence.
Addressing the brutal Russian aggression in Ukraine, Pope Francis urged Ukrainians to demonstrate what he termed the “courage of the white flag” and engage in negotiations with Russia, emphasizing the need for dialogue and mediation to halt the bloodshed. The Pope’s comments, delivered in an interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI and due for broadcast as part of a cultural program on March 20, have reignited discussions surrounding the conflict’s resolution.
Acknowledging the grim reality of the situation, Pope Francis remarked, “When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well, you have to have the courage to negotiate.” He stressed the importance of international involvement in facilitating talks between the conflicting parties.
“But I think that 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,” Francis said.
Pope Francis in new interview: “Ukraine must have the courage to raise the white flag and to negotiate.” pic.twitter.com/es3pW9SQDL
— Rich Raho (@RichRaho) March 9, 2024
Matteo Bruni, spokesperson for the Vatican, clarified that Pope Francis adopted the term “white flag” from the interviewer to signify a cessation of hostilities and a truce achieved through courageous negotiations. Bruni reiterated the Pope’s long-standing commitment to creating conditions conducive to diplomatic solutions in the pursuit of a just and lasting peace.