Arrr! Pope Francis be walkin' the plank with his 'white flag' comment, say Ukrainian and allied scallywags.
2024-03-10
Arr, the Pope be speakin' last month suggestin' Ukraine should parley with Russia or wave the white flag. The scallywag comments be causin' a ruckus amongst the Ukrainian officials. Aye, 'tis a fine mess we find ourselves in, me hearties!
Pope Francis has come under fire from Ukrainian officials for his recent comments advocating for Ukraine to have the "courage of the white flag" and engage in peace talks with Russia to end the ongoing conflict. The pontiff's remarks, made during an interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI, were met with criticism from Foreign ministers of both Ukraine and Poland, who condemned the suggestion of negotiations with Russia.Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba emphasized that Ukraine stands on the side of good and will not surrender in the face of aggression. He urged the pope to support Ukraine's just struggle and refrain from repeating past mistakes. Poland's foreign minister also weighed in, suggesting that Putin should be encouraged to withdraw Russian forces from Ukraine to achieve peace without negotiations.Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Ukraine’s Greek Catholic Church affirmed that Ukrainians are resolute in resisting Russian aggression, with surrender not an option. The Vatican spokesperson clarified that Francis supported a ceasefire through negotiations, not unconditional surrender by Ukraine.Despite criticism, Francis emphasized that negotiations are not synonymous with surrender and called for an end to hostilities in Ukraine and the Holy Land during his Angelus prayer. The pope's diplomatic stance has been perceived as leaning towards sympathy for Russia's rationale in the conflict, but he continues to pray for peace in the embattled regions.