Pope Francis on the conflict in Ukraine: The only right word is peace

Speaking at the end of the weekly General Audience, the Pope said his thoughts go to the beloved Ukrainian people, informs Vatican Radio.

“Unfortunately the situation is worsening” as is the clash between the parties he said.

Pope Francis renewed his heartfelt appeal “so that every possible effort – even at an international level – may be made for the resumption of dialogue, the only possible path for peace and harmony in that tormented land”.

And speaking off-the-cuff, Pope Francis said that when he hears the words ‘victory’ or ‘defeat’ he feels great pain, great sadness in his heart: “they are not the right words. The only right word is peace. This is the only right word” he said.

Pope also called the war in Ukraine 'fratricide' conflict and war between Christians.

And calling the conflict a scandal, he pointed out that all those involved in the conflict have the same baptism.

It's worth mentioning that the NATO Deputy Secretary General, Alexander Vershbow, giving a speech to the Nobel Institute in Oslo, on 2 February 2015 called conflict in Ukraine Russian agression.“Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is not an isolated incident, but a game-changer in European security". 

“Calling the conflict in Ukraine "fratricide" Pope wants to balance somehow the situation, while there are ample evidences of Russian aggression. On the one hand, it shows the ignorance of the Pope about the situation in Ukraine, on the other - a significant impact on the pro-Russian forces at the Vatican. The Vatican still hopes to build diplomatic relations with the Russian Orthodox Church”, said in his commentary to TV channel 5 Anatolij Babynskyj, RISU expert.

Just recently Patriarch of Moscow Kiril who is know for his support of Putin's policy, thanked "Vatican for balanced view on Ukraine crisis". He accused leadership of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and most of its representatives of "extremely politicized statements, which did not help end the civil confrontation".

"At the same time, I would like to note with satisfaction that the Holy See itself has always pursued a balanced stance toward the situation in Ukraine and has avoided any lop-sided assessments, but has called for peace talks and an end to armed clashes,"  said Kiril.