Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its accompanying atrocities have been unanimously condemned by public opinion. In all this chorus of righteous indignation, an important voice was missing. The voice of the patriarch of the West.
The bizarre diplomatic evasions employed by Pope Francis have caused consternation and anger among the faithful. There were comparisons to Pius XII who never publicly condemned Nazism. This mistake cost him the infamous nickname ‘Hitler’s Pope’. With further reports about the bestialities committed by the troops of the Russian Federation, impatience grew. Nevertheless, the words ‘Russia’ or ‘Putin’ were not uttered.
The Pope decided to make gestures that brought him a wave of criticism. He had a conversation with Patriarch Kirill, who is known for his close relations with Vladimir Putin, paid a visit to the Russian embassy, and also lamented the fate of Russian soldiers. The fuel to the fire was added by Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, who shortly after the massacre in Bucha criticized the sending of weapons to Ukraine, thus undermining the concept of Bellum Iustum (just war theory) which speaks of the right to defense.
Francis has accustomed us to his frank and uncompromising statements. He could criticize in strong words the social inequalities or the unworthy conduct of his subordinates. So why did he not decide to condemn the actions of President Putin?
It is a tradition in Vatican diplomacy not to mention the aggressors by name during the ongoing wars. However, this is not out of ill will but a desire to leave the possibility for mediation and dialogue. The Holy See does not have an army. It has only moral authority and diplomacy. But a policy of neutrality must not obscure common sense or leave room for ambiguity and doubt about whose side the Church is on.
