Pope calls for peace negotiations on Ukraine war, saying ``negotiations are not shameful''

Pope Francis spoke to Swiss public broadcaster RTS and expressed his thoughts on the war between Russia and Ukraine and the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. In this, the Pope called on the countries involved in the Ukraine war to hold peace negotiations toward a ceasefire, saying, ``Negotiations are not surrender,'' and ``There is no shame in negotiating before the situation worsens.''

'Pope asks for the courage to negotiate for Ukraine' - Vatican News

Pope on war in Ukraine: 'Do not be ashamed to negotiate' - Vatican News
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-03/pope-francis-swiss-tv-interview-gaza-ukraine-wars.html

According to the Holy See, every night at 7pm, Pope Francis calls the Parish Church of the Holy Family, where 600 people have been evacuated in the Gaza Strip, to listen.

Describing war as 'horrible,' the Pope said, 'In any war, both sides should always be at the peace negotiation table,' adding, 'Negotiation is never surrender,' and 'it is the courage to not drive a country to suicide.' added.

He then addressed Ukraine and Russia, the parties to the Ukraine war, and said, ``When you think you've lost or things aren't going well, it's important to have the courage to negotiate.You may feel embarrassed, but how many people have to die before it ends?'' Find a country that can mediate and negotiate within the deadline. Today, there are many countries that want to mediate in the Ukraine war. Turkey and other countries have come forward. Before the situation worsens. 'We should not be ashamed to negotiate.'

The Pope also said, ``War is always a defeat. Not a geographical defeat, but a human defeat.''

Acknowledging that there are always geographical and historical circumstances that can lead to war, he goes on to say, ``Although wars may seem to be provoked based on practical motives, behind all wars there is military demand.'' There is industry, which means it's about money. War is darkness. It's the power of darkness.'

The interview was recorded in early February 2024, and is scheduled to be broadcast on TV on March 20, 2024.