Mar 10, 2024, 06:24PM ISTSource: TOI.in
In an interview, Pope Francis expressed concerns about Ukraine facing a potential defeat against Russia. He urged Ukraine to exhibit the courage to negotiate an end to the war and encouraged President Zelensky not to be ‘ashamed’ to engage in peace talks with Putin. The Pope, in an interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI, strongly called for Kiev to promptly initiate peace negotiations with Russia, emphasizing that some countries have offered to mediate.Additionally, Turkish President Erdogan offered to host a summit between Ukraine and Russia to end the war after meeting with President Zelensky in Istanbul. Critics argue that the Pope has become a tool of Russian propaganda. In August 2023, Pope Francis had advocated for proactive steps toward “reconciliation.” Notably, in the 24 months of war, the Pope has never directly condemned Putin or Russia.