Pope Francis & Putin: Aftermath Of The Funeral & Ukraine War
Did the death of Pope Francis truly mark a turning point in the complex relationship between the Vatican and Moscow, or was it merely another chapter in a story already etched in the annals of diplomacy and geopolitical maneuvering? The ties between Pope Francis and Vladimir Putin, once marked by cautious engagement, have become increasingly strained, reflecting the broader tensions ignited by the war in Ukraine.
The echoes of the conflict in Ukraine reverberated even within the solemn halls of the Vatican following the passing of Pope Francis. The pontiff's death on Easter Monday, April 21st, after a battle with declining health, prompted an outpouring of tributes from global leaders, including a carefully worded expression of condolences from Moscow. However, the absence of Vladimir Putin from the funeral, held at St. Peter's Basilica on Saturday, April 26th, spoke volumes about the current state of relations.
The circumstances surrounding Putins decision not to attend the funeral have been widely interpreted as a reflection of the international criminal courts (ICC) arrest warrant against him. This warrant, stemming from allegations of war crimes in Ukraine, has significantly limited Putin's international travel and created a delicate diplomatic dance for those still willing to engage with the Russian leader. His absence, therefore, was not just a matter of personal choice, but a calculated decision dictated by the constraints of his present situation.
Donald Trump, former US President, who was among the key world figures to attend the funeral at the Vatican, where he met briefly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, took the opportunity to voice his criticisms of Putin's actions in Ukraine. Trump's social media post, delivered as he flew back to the United States, stated, there was no reason for putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days. This statement encapsulates the moral outrage and condemnation directed at Russia's conduct in the war, a sentiment that has been consistently echoed by the Vatican.
In a show of what might be called careful diplomacy, the Russian leader, Putin, chose to send a telegram expressing his "deepest condolences" to the Vatican. The message released by the Kremlin, included praise for the Pope's role in fostering dialogue between the Vatican, the Russian Orthodox Church, and the Kremlin itself. Furthermore, Putin acknowledged Francis's efforts in constructive cooperation between Russia and Vatican City. These statements, however, were carefully chosen and crafted, reflecting a need to maintain a semblance of cordiality despite the underlying strains.
The personal history between the two leaders included a few face-to-face meetings. Putin and Pope Francis met three times in person, with the last encounter occurring in 2021. They also were known to speak. These meetings, coupled with the shared commitment to interfaith dialogue, provided a foundation for a dialogue that, in certain instances, proved to be productive. The relationship was one of measured respect, a delicate balancing act between faith and politics.
Pope Francis, has repeatedly appealed to Vladimir Putin, urging him to "stop this spiral of violence and death" in Ukraine. This plea reflects the Pope's strong moral stance against the conflict. His words carried significant weight, underscoring the Vatican's commitment to peace and humanitarian concerns. The Popes interventions extended beyond mere pronouncements; he also sought a meeting in Moscow, hoping to facilitate an end to the war.
The pontiff did not shy away from controversial positions. Pope Francis warned the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, against becoming "Putins altar boy." This candid statement highlighted the Vaticans worries about the Church's alignment with the Kremlin and its support of the war. This particular statement was seen as a forceful message that addressed the dangers of religious institutions becoming entangled in politics.
The Kremlin's statement following the Pope's passing, offered condolences and praise, it did not fully conceal the underlying tensions. The Kremlins statement was a measured response, one that balanced diplomatic courtesy with the reality of the significant geopolitical divergence between the two entities. The death of Pope Francis has added a further layer of complexity to these relations.
The context of the war also influenced Pope Francis's relationship with Russia. Pope Francis's remarks about Russia amid president Vladimir Putin's ongoing war in Ukraine drew condemnation, further underlining the chasm between their perspectives. The pope's comments in an interview drew criticism, adding a layer of tension to an already complicated dynamic. These statements highlighted the challenging balance the Vatican needed to strike, navigating between dialogue and taking clear stances.
Before the current conflict, the relationship between Putin and Pope Francis was marked by mutual respect. Putin's decision to attend a meeting with Pope Francis in Italy in July 2019, for example, showed respect. The Pope, in return, acknowledged Putin's role on the world stage, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy. These instances of personal diplomacy provided potential avenues for easing tension. The war in Ukraine and Pope Francis's death introduced challenges and further complexity.
The funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City presented a unique gathering of global leaders, each representing their respective nations, and carrying their unique perspectives on the political landscape. Zelenskyy met briefly with Trump. This was a symbol of the ongoing efforts to address the conflict in Ukraine. The event underscored the international repercussions of the war.
Even as the world mourned Pope Francis, the shadow of the war in Ukraine and the constraints it placed on international relations remained. The absence of Putin served as a constant reminder of the deepening chasm between Russia and the West, and the enduring impact of the conflict on global diplomacy. The path forward, shaped by the Vatican, Russia, and the Ukrainian conflict, will continue to unfold.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | April 21, 2024, in Vatican City |
| Nationality | Argentine (by birth), Vatican City (by office) |
| Religious Order | Society of Jesus (Jesuits) |
| Ordination | Priest: December 13, 1969; Bishop: June 28, 1992; Cardinal: February 21, 2001 |
| Election as Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Predecessor | Benedict XVI |
| Successor | N/A (Office currently vacant) |
| Education | Master of Arts in Chemistry (University of Buenos Aires); Philosophical and theological studies |
| Languages | Spanish, Italian, Latin, German, French, English |
| Previous Roles | Archbishop of Buenos Aires; Cardinal; Various roles within the Society of Jesus |
| Known For | Emphasis on social justice, environmental protection, interreligious dialogue, and reform of the Roman Curia. |
| Controversies | Handling of sexual abuse allegations, some doctrinal interpretations |
| Key Writings | Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), Laudato Si' (On Care for Our Common Home), Fratelli Tutti (On Fraternity and Social Friendship) |
| Website Reference | Vatican Website - Pope Francis |
Vladimir Putin pays final tribute to Pope Francis jesuschrist YouTube
Trump & Putin in Vatican Pope Francis's Last Farewell YouTube
Pope Francis meet Trump vs Putin shorts YouTube
