As of: March 12, 2024, 11:52 a.m
By: Kathrin Reikowski
Comments
Press
Split
Olaf Scholz criticizes the words of the Pope, who called on Ukraine to negotiate.
How does the Vatican respond to ongoing criticism?
Kiev – “When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well, you have to have the courage to negotiate,” Pope Francis said at the weekend about the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the formulation was also used in a conversation with a journalist “white flag”, which is seen as a sign of a negotiator, but can also be seen as a symbol of giving up.
A storm of indignation followed that has still not subsided.
“Ukraine has the right to defend itself and Ukraine can rely on us to support it in this,” said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD).
“That’s why I obviously don’t agree with the position quoted,” he added in a press conference.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj had also sharply rejected the Pope's words and replied that people in Ukraine were fighting together across denominations against the Russian attack.
In Russia, the Pope's statement was met with approval: Kremlin spokeswoman Maria Sakharawo classified the Pope's statement as saying that the Pope was asking the West to admit a mistake.
Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, rows back for the Pope (archive image) © picture alliance/dpa/Dalati & Nohra |
-
Ukraine summons Pope representatives - Baerbock and Merz become clear in Germany
Ukraine took a concrete step on Monday to protest against the Pope's statements and summoned a representative of the Holy See to the Foreign Ministry: Visvaldas Kulbokas.
The Apostolic Nuncio, who represents the Vatican in Ukraine, has been informed that the country attacked by Russia is "disappointed" by Francis' comments, the Foreign Ministry in Kiev said on Monday evening.
The papal appeal should “go to the attacker and not to the victim,” was criticized in Kiev.
In Germany, Friedrich Merz (CDU) described the Pope's words as “fundamentally wrong”.
History shows that the church is also “not free from error,” Merz said, and described the pope’s error in this case as “huge.”
Annalena Baerbock (Greens) even became very emotional with Caren Miosga: The Foreign Minister emphasized that she really couldn't understand the Pope's statement.
Russia's understanding, international lack of understanding: Vatican is rowing back
On Monday, the Vatican struck a different tone in an interview.
In an attempt to put the pope's words into context, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Paroli told Italy's
Corriere della Sera
: "The first condition for peace is to stop aggression."
My news
Shoigu lie exposed?
Ukraine defends Dnipro bridgehead – Russian bloggers read outraged
The “challenger” is fighting with itself: British challengers are sinking into reading dirt
Phone call intercepted by secret service: Russian soldier reveals shocking frontline practices
Russia sends thousands of refugees and escalates tensions on the border with Finland
Several Russian planes shot down: Ukraine finds out about fighter jet secret
Biden gave “Armageddon speech”: USA prepared for nuclear strike by Russia in Ukraine war read out
He also noted that the Vatican was pushing for a ceasefire.
According to Tagesschau
, the Pope didn't just want to address Ukraine in the interview, Parolin said
.
This was due to the context of the question.
In the interview, Parolin was concerned that the war in Ukraine could expand and even lead to a nuclear escalation.
That's why the Vatican is pushing for a negotiated solution between Russia and Ukraine.
(kat/dpa)