"Negotiations signify strength, not weakness": Vatican clarifies Pope Francis's stance on peace talks

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the State Secretary of the Vatican, announced this.

According to him, the pontiff's appeal is that “conditions for a diplomatic solution in the pursuit of a just and lasting peace must be created." 

"In this context, it's evident that both parties play a role in establishing these conditions. The primary requirement, it seems to me, is to halt the aggression," stated Parolin.

He stressed that ceasing fire is the responsibility of the aggressors, urging them to engage in negotiations.

"The Pope underscores that negotiation is strength, not weakness. It is courage, not surrender. This underscores the importance of valuing human life, the hundreds of thousands lost in this war in the heart of Europe," shared the cardinal.

According to him, the Holy See is anxious about the conflict's extension because "escalating war results in more suffering, more victims, more deaths, and more destruction."

"Since these decisions hinge on human will, a diplomatic resolution is always possible. The war against Ukraine is not a consequence of an uncontrollable natural disaster. It's solely the result of human decisions. The same human will that caused this tragedy has the opportunity and responsibility to end it and facilitate a diplomatic solution," emphasized Parolin.

Background

The Pope, in an interview, suggested Ukraine should show courage by raising the white flag and initiating talks with Russia. The Vatican sought to clarify Pope Francis' remarks.

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevičs criticized the idea of "raising a white flag," stating it signifies surrender after defeat. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski urged the Pope to encourage Putin to withdraw Russian forces from Ukraine.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded, stating that when Russia initiated the war on February 24, all Ukrainians, regardless of religion, united for defense. He appreciated the Ukrainian chaplains supporting the army on the front lines with prayer and action.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg remarked on the Pope's statement, emphasizing that "surrender is not peace."

On March 11, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine, Visvaldas Kulbokas, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss Pope Francis' statement that "Ukraine should raise the white flag and start negotiations with Russia."