Ukraine should have ‘the courage of the white flag’ to negotiate with Russia, says Pope

The director of the Holy See Press Office has intervened to clarify the pope’s controversial remarks on Ukraine after he was strongly criticised for suggesting Ukraine should raise the “white flag” and negotiate with Russia.

In a transcript of an interview with Swiss TV, Radio Télévision Suisse, to be broadcast on 20 March, Pope Francis responded to a question from interviewer Lorenzo Buccella who asked: “In Ukraine, some call for the courage of surrender, of the white flag. But others say that this would legitimise 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.”

His words were met with widespread anger. Latvian president Edgars Rinkevics said today on social media: “My Sunday morning take: One must not capitulate in the face of evil, one must fight it and defeat it, so that the evil raises the white flag and capitulates.”

Germany’s prominent Christian Democrat MP, Dennis Radtke, said the comments were “shameful”, adding, “His stance on Ukraine reflects poorly on his pontificate. It is incomprehensible.”

Matteo Bruni of the Holy See press offfice said last night, “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. His hope is for a diplomatic solution for a just and lasting peace.”

He added, “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.’”

He also emphasised that the Pope has spoken repeatedly of “the martyred Ukrainian people”.

Pope Francis, who every day telephones the Holy Family Parish in Gaza where 600 people have sought refuge, said in the interview, “It is a war. And it takes two to make war, not just one. Those who are irresponsible are these two who make war.” He described Hamas as waging a “guerilla war” and said that both sides in a war should be prepared to take part in peace talks.

“Negotiations are never a surrender,” he said. “It is the courage not to carry a country to suicide.” Regarding Ukraine, he said people should “not be ashamed to negotiate before things get worse” and that negotations could involve the help of “international powers”.

Pope Francis said, “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.”

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Ukraine should have ‘the courage of the white flag’ to negotiate with Russia, says Pope

Pope Francis: ‘The stronger one is the one who... has the courage of the white flag, to negotiate.’

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