Instead of explaining the statement
Francis calls for prayer against the war in Ukraine
March 13, 2024, 12:09 p.m
The Pope received strong criticism for his statement that Ukraine should “raise the white flag.” Anyone who was hoping for an explanation will now be disappointed: Instead, Francis calls for prayer in order to “overcome the madness of war.”
After heavy criticism of his statement about raising the “white flag” in the Ukraine war, Pope Francis has not commented on the controversy. At the traditional general audience, the head of the Catholic Church called for general prayer against war. “Let us pray to the Lord to give us the grace to overcome this madness of war, which is always a defeat,” said the 87-year-old pontiff in front of numerous believers in St. Peter’s Square in Rome.
The Pope’s statements in an interview on Swiss television recently sparked massive controversy around the world. There he said: “When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well, you have to have the courage to negotiate.” When asked about calls for “the courage to surrender, to raise the white flag,” he replied: “It’s a question of perspective. But I think that the one who recognizes the situation, who thinks of the people, who has the courage of the white flag is stronger has to negotiate.”
It was eagerly awaited whether Francis would clarify or explain his words in the general audience. After international criticism, the Holy See tried in recent days to correct the Pope’s statements. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni contradicted reports that the Pope had asked Ukraine to surrender. Francis told of being given the rosary of a young soldier who died at the front.
“Many young people, many young people are dying,” he said, visibly touched, and then called for prayers against war. Because of his persistent respiratory illness, Francis once again had his address read out by a staff member. He only spoke at the end, but had to take short breaks because of his cough.