Pope's 'white flag' statement over Ukraine - Holy See provides explanation. The Ukrainian side expressed displeasure at this, and the Holy See explained that it was not an invitation to surrender.
In the interview, the Pope reiterated his desire to act as a mediator, but there is growing skepticism about his stance in Ukraine after he gave a speech in August last year that seemed to praise imperial Russia. The Holy See said he was referring to an interviewer's question, and it was a cease-fire achieved through the cessation of hostilities and the courage to negotiate.