Pope Francis Receives Backlash After Calling on Ukraine to Negotiate With Russia

Pope Francis is facing backlash from Kyiv for his remarks suggesting Ukraine should go to the negotiating table to work out a diplomatic settlement with Russia. In comments made during an interview conducted last month with RSI, the Swiss broadcaster, the Catholic leader once again offered to act as a mediator between the two warring sides. The Ukrainian government has criticized the Pope and reaffirmed their refusal to negotiate with the Kremlin.

The Pope is under fire for saying Kyiv should have the “courage of the white flag,” utilizing the same phrasing prompted in a question by his interviewer as was subsequently clarified by the Vatican. Interviewer Lorenzo Buccella put it to the Pope like this, “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?”

The Catholic leader responded, “It is one interpretation, that is true… 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.” He continued, “When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well, it is necessary to have the courage to negotiate.”