Commentary: The only way to end the manipulation of the Vatican's position by the Russian state and Russian Orthodox Church media is to stop producing actions and statements that can be interpreted to feed Russian propaganda.
Pope Francis on March 16 spoke with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, a backer of Russian President Vladimir Putin's war against Ukraine. According to the Vatican, Francis rejected justifications for the invasion as a "holy war."
As Russian troops battled Ukrainian forces during the third week of their invasion, the militant stance of Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill seemed to dash hopes of closer ties between his community and the Catholic Church.
We say: Whatever is happening behind the scenes, it is time for Pope Francis to speak the truth about the murderous assault on Ukraine. It is time to call things as they are. This is Putin's war and it is evil.
It's unclear if the Roman Catholic Church could be a neutral negotiator because of its complicated relationship with Russia's Orthodox Church, which has strong backing from the Russian government.
Commentary: The Russian invasion of Ukraine casts a baleful shadow over the world. As death and destruction mount, hope of a negotiated settlement is dimming. But are there historical parallels that still offer hope?
"People are trying to leave, fearing whole areas could fall under Moscow's control — this conflict has already lasted years, and they simply can't cope with such conditions," Ukrainian Bishop Jan Sobilo told NCR.
