What Pope Francis Said on the War against Ukraine
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 in his residence at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, The Gaze reports.
Throughout Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Pope repeatedly called for peace, reconciliation, and humanitarian efforts. Below are his most notable remarks on the war:
April 2025 – Easter Message (read by his assistant)
“May the Risen Christ grant Ukraine, devastated by war, his Easter gift of peace and encourage all parties involved to continue their efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace… May this year’s Easter also be an occasion for the release of prisoners of war and political prisoners.”
February 2025 – General Audience
“Ukraine is a martyred country that suffers a lot. Let us pray for it every day,” Francis said during a general audience at the Vatican.
The Pope consistently used the phrase “martyred country” since the beginning of the invasion, underscoring the suffering of civilians.
December 2024 – Christmas Message
“Let the sound of weapons be silenced in war-torn Ukraine,” he said from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. “May there be the courage necessary to open the door to negotiations and gestures of dialogue and encounter to achieve a just and lasting peace.”
March 2024 – Interview Excerpt
During an interview, Pope Francis was asked about the ongoing debate on Ukraine’s resistance versus potential surrender. The interviewer used the phrase “white flag” in the question.
“It is one interpretation, that is true,” Francis said. “But I think that the strongest one is the one who looks at the situation, thinks about the people and has the courage of the white flag, and negotiates.”
The comments sparked a wave of criticism and controversy in Ukraine and among its supporters, as many interpreted them as an indirect call for Ukraine to surrender in the war.
December 2024 – Prayer in Corsica
On December 15, 2024, while praying on the island of Corsica, the Pope referred to Ukrainians and Russians as “cousins,” calling for reconciliation.
“They are brothers, cousins. Let them come to an understanding! War is always a defeat. Peace to the whole world!”
Many Ukrainians viewed the comparison as dismissive of Russian aggression and the suffering inflicted on Ukraine.
Read more on The Gaze: Why Ukraine cannot give up the territories occupied by Russia