Pope believes Kiev should start negotiations

He believes that negotiations could be facilitated by international mediators

Pope Francis believes that Ukraine should enter into peace talks, thus showing courage and not considering it a disgrace.

“He who cares about the people, who has the courage to raise the white flag and start negotiations is really strong,” the Pope said in an interview with the Swiss broadcaster RSI, when asked whether it could be considered a show of courage on the part of Ukraine to “raise the white flag” or if it would be “legitimization of the stronger one.”

At the same time, the Pope added that when someone is aware of one’s defeat, that something has gone wrong, it is essential to display courage and agree to negotiate.

“One may feel ashamed, but otherwise how many more deaths will there be before it’s all over?” Francis continued.

He believes that negotiations could be facilitated by international mediators: there are many of them, when it comes to the war in Ukraine.

“Turkey, for example, and also others. One should not be ashamed of negotiations, which will prevent the worst from happening,” the Pope said. He is certain that negotiations are never a surrender.

“It takes real courage not to drive the country to suicide,” he stressed.