The Vatican’s ambiguous stance on russian-Ukrainian war

Since the start of the large-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Pope has regularly mentioned Ukraine in his speeches and prayers. As the Catholic Church has about 1.3 billion followers around the world, the official position of the Vatican is important for the international support of Ukraine.

The Pope spreading the word about Ukraine’s fight for freedom is another chance for the countries that are far from the Ukrainian context to know more about our country. However, the rhetoric of Pope Francis is sometimes rather controversial.

Thus, the Vatican initiatives often consider Ukrainians and Russians as victims, who are both victims of the war. What influence does the Vatican have on major geopolitical events regarding Ukraine?


UKRAINE IN FLAMES project is created by Ukraine Crisis Media Center and NGO “Euroatlantic Course”. We are aiming at searching a loud support for Ukraine in the war started by Russia on the 24th of February 2022.

If you want to support Ukraine against Russian aggression, check the link with recommendations by Ukraine Crisis Media Center – https://uacrisis.org/en/help-ukraine.

NGO Euroatlantic Course collects donations to support Ukrainian Army and civilians – https://eac.org.ua/en/main-page/.

How you can help Ukraine against Russian aggression:

Come back alive – https://bit.ly/3Ct6O2L (works directly with the command and personnel of military units, purchasing infrared thermal imaging cameras, night vision goggles, hemostatics etc); 

CO Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation – https://bit.ly/3Svas1G (purchases supplies for Ukrainian army, such as armor, ammunition, first-aid kits, cars and ATV, humanitarian aid for civilians, and food for animals);

UNITED 24 – https://bit.ly/3M2mXiT (launched by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the main venue for collecting charitable donations in support of Ukraine. Funds will be transferred to the official accounts of the National Bank of Ukraine and allocated by assigned ministries to cover the most pressing needs)

Army SOS – https://bit.ly/3UYK168 (manages purchases of necessary ammunition, shields, intercommunication and reconnaissance facilities, etc. and delivers all goods directly);

Vostok SOS – https://bit.ly/3Ruut75 (raising funds for various needs of the army);

Phoenix Wings – https://bit.ly/3RvWSd0 (the appropriate equipment & uniform, personal non-lethal protection (vests, helmets), required treatment of the wounded soldiers, and repair of the buildings used by the army).