Pope Francis under fire for saying Ukraine should show 'white flag of courage'
Ukraine pushes back on Pope's call for peace negotiations with Russia.
- Bilawal Riaz
- 1 min read
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister criticized Pope Francis for suggesting Kyiv should have the courage to negotiate and show “the courage of the white flag” to end the war with Russia. The Minister argued that negotiating with Russia would equate good and evil and insisted on Ukraine’s national flag as a symbol of resilience. The head of Ukraine’s Eastern Rite Catholic Church and President Zelensky also rejected the Pope’s comments, emphasizing Ukraine’s determination. The Vatican clarified that the Pope used the term “white flag” from the interviewer and has previously sparked controversies with Ukrainian officials over his statements.