Pope Francis Calls Russia and Ukraine "Brothers and Cousins" During Call for Peace

During a prayer on December 15, Pope Francis referred to Russia and Ukraine as brothers, reiterating his calls for peace in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

“They are brothers, cousins. Let them come to an understanding. War is always a defeat. Peace to the whole world," the pope said during a visit to the French island of Corsica, where he prayed to the Blessed Virgin Mary for a “long-awaited peace for the Ukrainian and Russian peoples.”

The Pope’s remarks about the Russia-Ukraine war have often drawn criticism. In February 2024, he suggested in an interview that Ukraine should have “the courage of the white flag” and negotiate an end to the war with Russia.

In August 2023, Pope Francis urged Russian youth “never give up the legacy of great Russia.” Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by emphasizing that such imperialist propaganda is precisely how Russia justifies the killing of Ukrainian civilians and the destruction of Ukrainian cities.

Previously on December 8, Pope Francis made a direct appeal to political leaders and the international community, urging them to establish ceasefires all around the world ahead of Christmas, Vatican News reported.