Despite a flurry of criticism following previous “white flag” statements, Pope Francis has again called for negotiations to end hostilities in Ukraine and the Middle East. During his weekly audience in the Vatican, he mentioned the suffering of the people of Ukraine, Palestine and Israel.
He writes about it Vatican News.
“Let us never forget that war is always a defeat. We cannot move forward in a time of war. We must make every effort to speak and negotiate”, the pontiff said.
Earlier, the Pope caused outrage with his statement about the “white flag”, allegedly calling Ukraine to surrender. These words were condemned by Ukrainian society and religious leaders, who emphasized that no one will force Ukraine to surrender.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also responded to the Pope’s call, noting that surrender is not peace and that it is Russian President Vladimir Putin who started this war and can end it.
