Pope Francis meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy when he visits the Vatican October 11.
In meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the third time since the beginning of the war October 11, Pope Francis shows that he is well aware that his meeting will be closely scrutinized. Since Russia’s attack on Ukraine began in February 2022, many in the Western camp have felt that Francis has not sufficiently defended Kyiv. At best, he was accused of a sort of naïve pacifism and, at worst, of a real inclination toward Moscow.
Some believe the pope’s dreams of mediating between Ukraine and Russia will never come true, arguing that these meetings between Francis and Zelenskyy, who has been on a European tour since the day before, are pointless. Recent months seem to validate this view.
However, it’s important to remember that since the beginning of the war, all mediation efforts—including those undertaken by the greatest powers to secure a ceasefire—have failed. In this respect, the pope has not done worse than China or the United States.
Yet there is one area where the Argentine pope deserves a chance: the humanitarian field. For several months, Pope Francis and Vatican diplomacy have focused their efforts on securing the release of Ukrainian children kidnapped in Russia. And not without some success, however modest it may be.
Along with others, the pope’s diplomats have managed to secure the return of a few dozen hostages held in Russia. “Too few,” critics might say. Yet, when peace seems impossible, it’s gestures like these, nearly invisible, that offer hope. Pope Francis, a singular voice who stubbornly calls for peace against all odds, contributes to this hope.
Reproduced with permission from La Croix International.
