Pope Francis dies at 88: A controversial papacy concludes
On 21 April 2025, the Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis, marking the end of his papacy, which was described by many as groundbreaking yet controversial. Particularly contentious were his statements on the war in Ukraine and Russia's role, which provoked outrage, especially among Ukrainians.
Pope Francis, known for his unconventional approach to many issues, had been commenting on the conflict in Ukraine since its inception in February 2022, in a way that stirred strong emotions.
From suggesting NATO might have provoked the conflict to calling for "the courage of the white flag," Francis faced criticism for what was perceived as an overly neutral and ambiguous stance on Russian aggression.
"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 remarked:
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 words sparked a wave of criticism, particularly in Poland and Ukraine. Publicist Tomasz Terlikowski described the interview as "dramatic," noting that the pope was repeating the Kremlin's narrative that blamed the West for the war. The Ukrainian ambassador to the Holy See, Andrii Yurash, expressed disappointment, likening the situation to World War II and questioning whether anyone then proposed negotiations with Hitler. The Vatican clarified that Francis did not intend to blame NATO, but to highlight the complexity of the conflict. However, for many, his words sounded like a justification for Russia's actions.
"We are all guilty" (2022)
In April 2022, on social media, the pope commented on the war in Ukraine without 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, issued as the world learned of the massacres in Bucha, was perceived as blurring the lines of responsibility. Ukrainians, fighting for their survival, felt hurt by the implication that the victim and aggressor were equally guilty. Critics, like the publicist from Krytyka Polityczna, charged Francis with "absurd impartiality" in the face of Russia's clear culpability. The pope's avoidance of naming Russia as the aggressor 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 criticised by Ukrainians, who viewed it as a glorification of Russian imperialism. Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, expressed "pain and incomprehension," pointing out that the pope's words might inspire Moscow's neocolonial ambitions. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Oleh Nikolenko, called them "imperialist propaganda." The Vatican issued a statement saying that Francis did not intend to praise imperialism but to promote positive aspects of Russian culture, yet these explanations did not placate the critics.
"Courage of the white flag" (2024)
In March 2024, in 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 2,400 kilometres away. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław 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 for many, these words sounded like 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 referred to "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."
His failure to name Russia as the aggressor was criticised as a continuation of the pope's evasion. The media noted that from the beginning of the war, Francis avoided calling things by their names, contrasting with his appeals for peace. Ukrainians, weary from the conflict, expected clear support from the pope, not vague statements.
Francis' statements stem from his view of war as "absolute evil," necessitating dialogue and avoidance of escalation. Vatican specialist Arkadiusz Stempin noted in media statements that the pope avoided naming the aggressor to keep doors open for negotiations with Russia.
What you need to know about the pope's death?
The death of the pope sets off a precisely planned sequence of actions to ensure the continuity of the Church's functioning and to provide a dignified farewell to its leader. Francis, just the day before his death, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to give the Urbi et Orbi blessing, and then entered the popemobile and circled the square for a long time – as it later turned out, this was his last public appearance.
Immediately after the death is confirmed, strict rituals commence – 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 head of the Church.
During this time, the chamberlain – currently American Cardinal Kevin Farrell – takes responsibility for the administration in the Vatican, including destroying the papal Fisherman's Ring and coordinating preparations for the conclave, 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 procedure and precise protocol.
