Details have been released of Pope Francis’ comments about the conflict in Ukraine, regarding which he accused Russian troops of brutality while claiming the invasion violated the right to self-determination.
As reported by Reuters, in the text of a conversation last month with editors of Jesuit media, the Pontiff praised Ukrainians for fighting for their survival.
However, in language likely to alarm many observers, the Holy Father said the situation was not black and white, and the war was “perhaps in some way provoked”. The Pope cited the arms industry as incentivising conflict.
