THE DILEMMA OF PEACE AND JUSTICE: FOREIGN POLICY OF VATICAN IN THE CONTEXT OF THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR

Abstract

This study examines Pope Francis’ and the Vatican’s position on the Russian-Ukrainian war, its impact on international politics, and internal processes in Ukraine. An analysis of Vatican statements regarding the war in Ukraine and reactions from other countries and Ukrainian society has been conducted. The research also aims to clarify Pope Francis’ influence on Ukraine’s internal political situation. The article’s purpose is to investigate the Vatican’s influence on the processes and course of the Russian-Ukrainian war, international politics, and Ukraine’s domestic policy. The article employs a complex of methods: historical analysis to study the evolution of the Vatican’s position (2014–2024), content analysis of Pope Francis’ statements, comparative method to juxtapose different parties’ positions, systemic approach to examine the Vatican’s influence on international and domestic politics of Ukraine, expert evaluation method, and statistical analysis of sociological data. This allowed for a comprehensive study of the Vatican’s position’s impact on the course of the Russian-Ukrainian war and its perception by the international community. Research period: 2014–2024, focusing on two stages: 2014–2022 (hybrid war and low-intensity conflict); 2022–2024 (full-scale war and expectations of a radical change in the Vatican’s position). Key findings: The Vatican does not recognize Russia as an unequivocal aggressor and does not condemn its actions. Pope Francis seeks reconciliation and proposes that the conflicting parties engage in negotiations. The Vatican’s position on the Russian-Ukrainian war is based on: Catholic dogma, where evil has no substantial nature; Pope Francis’ ideological views (anti-Americanism, Latin American context); the general tendency in the Catholic Church towards forgiveness, established by John Paul II, and pacifism. The Vatican does not significantly influence world states’ decision-making. The Pope’s position may influence public opinion in countries with high levels of religiosity. In Ukraine, the Vatican’s position lacks unequivocal support from Roman Catholic and Greek Catholic communities and Ukrainian citizens in general. The Vatican’s stance on the Russian-Ukrainian war is amorphous as it lacks a clear moral assessment and equates the aggressor with the victim; consequently, criminal actions are condemned, but not their cause (Russia).