Pope Francis' papacy ends amid controversy over Ukraine stance
On April 21, 2025, the Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis, marking the end of his papacy, which many regarded as both groundbreaking and controversial. Particularly contentious were his comments on the war in Ukraine and Russia's role, which sparked outrage, especially among Ukrainians.
Pope Francis, known for his unconventional approach to many issues, had been addressing the conflict in Ukraine since the war began in February 2022, in a manner that stirred strong emotions.
From suggesting that NATO might have provoked the conflict to calls for "the courage of the white flag," Francis faced criticism for what some perceived as an overly neutral stance on Russian aggression.
His statements, often seen as avoiding an unequivocal condemnation of Russia, elicited reactions from both church and political circles. Ukrainians, especially leaders of the Greek Catholic Church, expressed their disappointment, pointing out that the pope's words were being used by Russian propaganda.
"NATO barking at Russia's door" (2022)
In May 2022, in an interview with the Italian newspaper "Corriere della Sera," Pope Francis suggested that the Russian invasion of Ukraine might have been a reaction to NATO's actions. He stated:
"One potential factor behind Russia's attack on Ukraine and Putin’s position might be what has been described as 'NATO’s pressure near Russia’s borders.' This has been interpreted as a source of frustration—whether or not it was a direct provocation, it may have contributed to the escalation."
These comments sparked a wave of criticism, particularly in Poland and Ukraine. Publicist Tomasz Terlikowski described the interview as "dramatic," highlighting that the pope echoed the Kremlin's narrative of blaming the West. The Ukrainian ambassador to the Holy See, Andrii Yurash, expressed disappointment, comparing the situation to World War II and questioning if anyone then proposed negotiations with Hitler. The Vatican explained that Francis did not intend to blame NATO but aimed to highlight the complexity of the conflict, though many heard it as a justification for Russia's aggression.
"We are all guilty" (2022)
In April 2022, on social media, the pope wrote about the war in Ukraine, refraining from naming the aggressor:
"One must weep at graves. Do we no longer care about the young? What is happening today fills me with pain. We do not learn. May the Lord have mercy on us, on each of us. We are all guilty!"
This statement, shared when the world was learning about the massacres in Bucha, was perceived as blurring responsibility. Ukrainians, fighting for their survival, felt hurt by the suggestion that both the victim and the aggressor were equally guilty. Critics, like the publicist from Krytyka Polityczna, accused Francis of "absurd impartiality" despite Russia's obvious guilt. The pope avoided naming Russia as the aggressor, which contrasted with his condemnation of the war as "diabolical logic" in other addresses.
"Great Russia of Peter I and Catherine II" (2023)
In August 2023, during a videoconference with young Russian Catholics, Francis stirred controversy by saying:
"Never forget your heritage. You are children of great Russia; great Russia of saints, kings, great Russia of Peter I and Catherine II, this great empire, of such great culture and great humanity. Never give up on that heritage."
This statement was sharply criticized by Ukrainians, who saw it as a glorification of Russian imperialism. Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, expressed "pain and incomprehension," noting that the pope's words might inspire Moscow's neocolonial ambitions. The spokesperson for Ukraine's Foreign Ministry, Oleh Nikolenko, called them "imperialist propaganda." The Vatican released a statement clarifying that Francis did not intend to praise imperialism but to highlight positive aspects of Russian culture, yet these explanations did not appease the critics.
"Courage of the white flag" (2024)
In March 2024, during an interview with Swiss television RSI, the pope suggested that Ukraine should consider negotiating with Russia:
"When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well, you must have the courage to negotiate. The stronger is the one who sees the situation, who thinks of the nation, who has the courage of the white flag to negotiate."
This statement provoked outrage in Ukraine and among its allies. President Volodymyr Zelensky responded that the true Church supports Ukrainian soldiers, not calls for surrender. Poland's Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski suggested that the pope encourage Putin to withdraw his troops. The Vatican explained that Francis used the metaphor of a "white flag" in the context of a truce, not surrender, but many heard it as a call for Ukraine to capitulate.
Thousandth day of the war without naming the aggressor (2024)
In a letter marking the thousandth day of the war in Ukraine (November 2024), the pope wrote about "large-scale armed aggression," but did not name Russia as the perpetrator:
"I wish to embrace all the citizens of beloved and suffering Ukraine. It has been a thousand days since the large-scale armed aggression."
The failure to name Russia as the aggressor was criticized as a continuation of the pope's evasion. The Onet web portal noted that from the war's outset, Francis avoided calling things by their names, which contrasted with his appeals for peace. Ukrainians, weary of the war, expected clear support from the pope, not vague statements.
Francis' statements stem from his vision of war as "absolute evil," which requires dialogue and avoiding escalation. Vaticanist Arkadiusz Stempin noted in media statements that the pope avoided naming the aggressor to keep negotiation doors open with Russia.
What you need to know about the pope's death?
The pope's death triggers a precisely planned sequence of actions to ensure the Church's continuity and a dignified farewell to its leader. Francis, just the day before his passing, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to give the Urbi et Orbi blessing and then entered the popemobile, circling the square for a long time – as it later turned out, this was his last public appearance.
Immediately after confirmation of his death, strict rituals begin – the body is taken to St. Peter's Basilica, and the chamberlain utters the pope's name three times and touches his forehead with a silver hammer, symbolically confirming the death of the Church's head.
During this time, the chamberlain – currently American Cardinal Kevin Farrell – is responsible for taking over the Vatican's administration, which includes destroying the papal Fisherman's Ring and coordinating preparations for the conclave, that is, the election of the new pope.
The conclave begins a few days after the funeral and is conducted in strict secrecy – the cardinal-electors are locked in the Sistine Chapel and vote until a new head of the Church is elected, according to centuries-old procedures and precise protocols.
