:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/ECWLPWYNJUZCJJOZ2GYVMI2EFM.jpg "Pope Francis asked Zelensky for “courage” to raise the “white flag” and negotiate an end to the war with Russia")
Pope Francis Urges President of Ukraine to Negotiate End to War With Russia
Pope Francis met with President of Ukraine, Volodimir Zelensky, at the Vatican on May 13, 2023, where he urged him to have “courage” to negotiate and raise the “white flag” to end the ongoing war with Russia. The Pope emphasized the importance of seeking mediation from international powers and not being ashamed to negotiate before the situation worsens.
In an interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI, the Pope discussed the need for courage in negotiations and expressed concern over the escalating conflict. He highlighted the offer from Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to host a summit between Ukraine and Russia to find a peaceful resolution.
The Pope also condemned the arms industry, calling it a “collective sin” behind wars. He stressed the devastating impact of war and the importance of finding peaceful solutions to conflicts. The Pope shared his personal experiences visiting war memorials and reflected on the tragic consequences of war.
Furthermore, Pope Francis emphasized the need for political leaders to prioritize peace over conflict and not to seek destructive means to defend themselves. He underscored the human cost of war and the suffering it brings to innocent lives.
Ending on a hopeful note, the Pope reminded that history has shown that wars can end in agreement and encouraged maintaining hope for a peaceful resolution.
The Pope’s message comes at a crucial time as the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate, with ongoing efforts to find a path towards peace and diplomacy.