The Vatican's position on the Russian-Ukrainian war: an analysis of Pope Francis' statements

Abstract

The position of the Vatican regarding the Russian-Ukrainian war, its influence on international politics, and internal processes in Ukraine are being studied. The research examines the Vatican's diplomatic approach, which seeks to maintain neutrality and promote dialogue between the conflicting parties. An analysis of Vatican statements regarding the war in Ukraine, reactions to them from other countries and Ukrainian society has been conducted. The study investigates the reasons behind the Vatican's position, such as the Catholic Church's pacifist doctrine, the desire to avoid unequivocal assessments, and the influence of Pope Francis's personal background and ideological views. The research also aims to clarify Pope Francis's influence on the internal political situation in Ukraine. Research period: 2014-2024, with a focus on two stages: 2014-2022 (hybrid war and local conflict); 2022-2024 (full-scale war). Main research results: The Vatican avoids calling RF as an aggressor and does not condemn its actions. Pope Francis seeks reconciliation and proposes that the conflicting parties sit down for negotiations. The Vatican's position on the Russian-Ukrainian war is based on Catholic dogma, where evil does not have a substantive nature; the general tendency in the Catholic Church towards forgiveness, laid down by John Paul II, and pacifism. The research reveals that the Vatican's stance has faced criticism from both Western countries and Ukrainian society, as it is perceived as equating the aggressor with the victim. The Vatican does not have a significant influence on the decisions of world states. The position of the Bishop of Rome may influence public opinion in countries with a high level of religiosity. In Ukraine, the Vatican's position does not have considerable support from the Roman Catholic and Greek Catholic communities, and generally from Ukrainian citizens. The Vatican's position on the Russian-Ukrainian war is amorphous because it does not contain a clear moral assessment and equates the aggressor with the victim; therefore, criminal actions are condemned, but not their cause.