Vatican City: Following Pope Francis’ unexpected tears as he prayed for Ukraine, the country’s Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, tells Vatican News that the Pope offers a much-needed symbol of spiritual support and says the time for peace talks with Russia has not yet arrived.
"This compassion means a lot to us and goes directly to the hearts of Ukrainians, and of course we look forward to his visit."
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba offered that comment to Vatican News regarding Pope Francis' public expression of emotion at a prayer on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, on 8 December, at Rome’s Spanish Steps.
Every effort for peace in Ukraine coming from Pope Francis and the Holy See is welcome, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister said, whether it is helping to mediate for the exchange of prisoners or in assisting migrants and refugees. However, the time for broad negotiations after the Russian aggression has not come yet.
As he brought the suffering of the people of Ukraine to the feet of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Pope interrupted his words for a few seconds to weep silently before continuing his prayer.
Mr. Kuleba, in office since 2020, met at the Foreign Ministry’s office in Kyiv with a group of journalists traveling since 4 December with the Embassies to the Holy See of Poland and Ukraine.
Mr. Kuleba answered questions from various reporters, including Vatican News, beginning with the possibility of a visit by Pope Francis to what the Pope has always called the "martyred nation" of Ukraine.
"He has many followers here, in the Roman Catholic Church and in the Greek Catholic Church, but even beyond who would welcome the Pope's visit, including a much wider part of Ukrainian society, not only those who belong to the Greek Catholic Church, because he is a symbol of compassion and spiritual support,” said Mr. Kuleba. “We look forward to welcoming him.”
However, he said that on some occasions he did not understand the perspectives expressed by the Pope regarding the ongoing war but praised him "for his understanding", which he said was a result of the "many conversations he had with people.”
“He has not allowed himself to be influenced by concepts that do not work and do not respond to reality, but is always committed to seeking the truth,” he added.
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Pope Francis prays for peace in the world; moved to tears at “martyred Ukraine”