Pope Francis dies at 88: Legacy marked by controversy and change
On April 21, 2025, the Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis, marking the end of a papacy described by many as groundbreaking yet controversial. His statements on the war in Ukraine and Russia’s role, in particular, incited outrage, especially among Ukrainians.
Pope Francis, known for his unconventional approach to numerous issues, had been speaking about the Ukraine conflict since the war began in February 2022, often stirring strong emotions.
From suggesting that NATO might have provoked the conflict to advocating for "the courage of the white flag," Francis faced criticism for his neutral and ambiguous stance on Russian aggression.
His remarks, often seen as avoiding a clear condemnation of Russia, prompted reactions from both church and political circles. Ukrainians, notably the hierarchs of the Greek Catholic Church, expressed disappointment, noting that the pope’s words were being used by Russian propaganda.
"NATO barking at Russia's door" (2022)
In May 2022, during 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 stated:
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 comments sparked a wave of criticism, particularly in Poland and Ukraine. Publicist Tomasz Terlikowski described the interview as "dramatic," highlighting that the pope was echoing the Kremlin's narrative, which 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 explained that Francis did not intend to blame NATO, but aimed to underscore the conflict’s complexity. However, to many, his words sounded like a justification for Russia's aggression.
"We are all guilty" (2022)
In April 2022, on social media, the pope wrote about the war in Ukraine, avoiding 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, published when the world was learning about the massacres in Bucha, was perceived as a blurring of responsibility. Ukrainians, fighting for survival, felt hurt by the suggestion that both the victim and the aggressor were equally culpable. Critics, such as the publicist from "Krytyka Polityczna," accused Francis of "absurd impartiality" in the face of Russia’s evident guilt. The pope avoided naming Russia as the aggressor, contrasting 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 heavily criticized by Ukrainians, who saw it as an endorsement 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 fuel Moscow’s neocolonial ambitions. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleh Nikolenko called the remarks "imperialist propaganda." The Vatican clarified that Francis did not intend to praise imperialism but to highlight the positive aspects of Russian culture. However, these explanations did not appease the critics.
"Courage of the white flag" (2024)
In March 2024, during 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 from 1,500 miles away. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski suggested that the pope urge 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. Nonetheless, to 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 wrote about "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."
The omission of Russia as the aggressor was criticized as a continuation of the pope’s reluctance to take a clear stand. 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 war, expected unequivocal support from the pope, not vague statements.
What you need to know about the pope's death?
The death of the pope triggers a precisely planned sequence of actions to ensure the Church’s continuous functioning and 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 Church’s head.
During this time, the chamberlain — currently American Cardinal Kevin Farrell — assumes administration in the Vatican, including destroying the papal Fisherman’s Ring and coordinating preparations for the conclave, which is 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, following centuries-old procedures and precise protocols.
