The Pope to Zelensky: "Courage to Raise the White Flag is Needed... Negotiation is Not Surrender"

Pope Francis emphasized that "negotiation is not surrender" in relation to the Ukraine war. It appears he sent a message to Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine who is on the defensive, suggesting the need to negotiate with Russia before the situation worsens.

According to foreign media including AFP on the 10th, the Pope conducted an interview with Swiss public broadcaster RTS at the Vatican in early last month. The interview is scheduled to be broadcast on the 20th.

In the pre-released interview content on the 9th (local time), the Pope said, "I believe the strongest person is the one who looks at the situation, thinks of the people, and has the courage to negotiate by raising the white flag."

He continued, "People may feel ashamed, but how many lives are being sacrificed?" and added, "Negotiation is never surrender, and having the courage not to drive a country to suicide is bravery."

Pope Francis (left) is shaking hands with Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, during a meeting at the Vatican in May last year.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

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Although the Pope has previously mentioned the need for negotiation regarding the Ukraine war, this is reportedly the first time he has used terms such as 'white flag,' 'defeat,' or 'surrender.'

The Pope emphasized, "Many want to play the role of mediator in the Ukraine war, with Turkey being a representative example," and said, "Do not be ashamed to negotiate before the situation worsens."

Later, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni explained in a statement, "Pope Francis used the word 'white flag' to talk about the cessation of hostilities, courageous negotiations, and a truce." He also reiterated the call for a "diplomatic solution seeking just and lasting peace" regarding the Ukraine war.

The office of President Zelensky did not respond to immediate requests for comment on the Pope's remarks.

Meanwhile, regarding the Israel-Hamas war, Pope Francis criticized both sides, saying, "War is waged not by one side but by both, and the irresponsible thing is that these two are fighting a war."

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