In the latest diplomatic controversy surrounding Pope Francis' comments on the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Vatican's secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, has taken steps to address the outrage. Parolin emphasized that for negotiations to end the conflict, there must be a cessation of Russian aggression and a commitment to a "just peace."

This development comes after the Holy See ambassador in Kyiv was summoned to address Ukraine's dissatisfaction with the Pope's remarks urging the country to have the "courage of the white flag" in seeking peace. Even though the Vatican's press office attempted to shift focus to Francis' other remarks on negotiation not implying surrender, the comments faced immediate criticism from Ukraine and its allies.

The incident once again highlights the challenge faced by the Vatican's diplomatic corps in clarifying Francis' informal way of speaking, prioritizing a more precise position in line with the Holy See's tradition of diplomatic neutrality. In an interview with Corriere della Sera, Parolin referenced Francis' earlier call for a diplomatic solution in Ukraine, underscoring the quest for a just and lasting peace.

Parolin stressed that the creation of suitable conditions for negotiations is essential for both sides in the conflict, with the primary condition being an end to the aggression. The Vatican's in-house Vatican News portal reported the cardinal's statements, which were also relayed through a similar interview with Italy's state-run RAI.

While Francis' "white flag" remarks were in response to a question using the term, he later reiterated that negotiation is not synonymous with surrender. Parolin echoed this sentiment and emphasized that a peaceful resolution in Ukraine must be just, taking into consideration the rights and dignity of all parties involved.

This incident is not the first time Francis' colloquial style of speech has created diplomatic challenges for the Holy See. Although he has expressed solidarity with the people of Ukraine, he has refrained from directly naming Russia or its President, Vladimir Putin. His comments on NATO's expansion and the role of certain minorities in the conflict have also elicited backlash.

The Vatican has sought to address previous instances where the Pope's words have upset Ukrainians, including a meeting with Russian youths where he praised Russia's imperial past. Following Ukrainians' sense of betrayal, Francis acknowledged that his words were perhaps ill-advised and that he never intended to justify Russia's invasion.

As the controversy surrounding Pope Francis' informal remarks on Ukraine continues, Cardinal Parolin's efforts to clarify the Holy See's position signal the Vatican's commitment to promoting dialogue and seeking a just and lasting resolution to the conflict.