Pope Francis' words, calling on Ukraine to show courage by raising the "white flag" and initiating negotiations with Russia, are seen as a step towards appeasing an aggressor trying to destroy the country.
Viktor Yelenskiy, the head of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS), commented on Pope Francis' statement in an interview with Suspilne, stating that the Pope lives in a world vastly different from that of Ukraine and Europe in general.
Yelenskiy pointed out that Pope Francis is not new to controversy with his statements about Russia. He reminded of other ambiguous statements by the pontiff, such as the idea of joint carrying of the cross by Ukrainians and Russians, and the comparison of Peter I and Catherine II with "great enlighteners and builders."
"The Church's primary function now should be to distinguish between good and evil, and in this regard, nobody is asking for guidance from the Pope or other religious leaders on how to build the economy or develop geopolitical ties. Everyone desires clear guidance on discerning between good and evil. When these concepts are blurred, it greatly upsets people," emphasized Viktor Yelenskiy.