Francis's statements are his personal line, not the position of the Vatican, - Ambassador

Francis said that Ukraine should have the courage to raise the “white flag” / photo ua.depositphotos.com Pope Francis’ statements that Ukraine should go to negotiations with Russia and raise the “white flag” are his personal line, not the position of the Vatican . Ambassador of Ukraine to the Holy See Andrii Yurash said this in an interview for “Radio Freedom”.

Yurash noted that on a subconscious level he understands that Francis “wants and offers models of peace”, but these models are not acceptable for Ukraine.

“We must understand that such statements do not reflect the position of the Apostolic See, the Secretariat of State. Rather, it is his personal line. Personal views. Because when we analyze, during the two years of the war, everything we heard from the officials of the Vatican State, I won’t list them, then we haven’t heard such statements. Accordingly, this entire controversial plane of discussion is connected with the corresponding statements of the Pope himself,” Yurash said.

He noted that on February 25 this year, the second day after the second anniversary of the full-scale invasion, the Pope spoke publicly about the need for peace.

“Ukraine also wants peace. Ukraine offers peace. But, of course, on those conditions: preservation of territorial integrity, return of full control over the territory, return of all Ukrainian citizens kidnapped and taken to Russia,” Yurash emphasized.

The Ambassador of Ukraine emphasized that a just and lasting peace would be acceptable for Ukraine.

He added that the Pope’s statement caused a violent reaction.

“We immediately objected, both on my personal pages and to the embassies. Today, I want to emphasize that our position has been supported and promoted by the heads of embassies of the leading states accredited to the Holy See,” Yurash said.

Scandalous statement of the Pope

As UNIAN reported, Francis said in an interview with a Swiss television and radio company that Ukraine must have the courage to raise the “white flag” and agree to negotiations.

This statement caused objections both among representatives of the international community and in Ukraine.

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