Pope Francis & Putin: A Relationship Strained By Ukraine & Death
Did the death of Pope Francis mark the end of a complicated diplomatic dance between the Vatican and Moscow? The relationship, once characterized by meetings and expressions of mutual respect, had become strained by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, casting a long shadow over the final days of the pontiff's life and the immediate reactions to his passing.
The intricate tapestry of relations between the Vatican and Russia, woven over years of dialogue and punctuated by moments of both cooperation and tension, has been irrevocably altered by the events unfolding in Ukraine. Ties between Pope Francis and Moscow, which had previously seen three in-person meetings between the pontiff and Vladimir Putin, most recently in 2021, were increasingly strained by Russia's invasion. This deterioration was evident in the pope's public pronouncements and actions, starkly contrasting with the initial attempts to maintain a channel of communication.
| Pope Francis | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | April 21, 2024 (Reported) |
| Education |
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| Ordination | Ordained as a Jesuit priest on December 13, 1969 |
| Episcopal Consecration | Consecrated as Bishop on June 27, 1992 |
| Cardinalate | Created Cardinal by Pope John Paul II on February 21, 2001 |
| Pontificate | Elected as Pope on March 13, 2013 |
| Notable Actions and Statements |
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| Key Writings |
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| Legacy | Pope Francis is remembered for his focus on the marginalized, his commitment to interreligious dialogue, and his efforts to modernize the Catholic Church. |
| Reference | Vatican Website - Biography of Pope Francis |
In May of 2022, the Pope took the unprecedented step of publicly chastising the Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church for his open support of the war in Ukraine. Describing a private conversation, Pope Francis revealed that he had warned Kirill against serving as "Putin's altar boy." These words, delivered with bluntness, signified a profound shift in the relationship and a clear condemnation of the Russian Orthodox Church's alignment with the Kremlin's political agenda.
While the official statements from Moscow expressed condolences on the passing of Pope Francis, a significant detail was the decision of Vladimir Putin to skip the funeral. The Russian president chose not to attend the solemn event, a move reported by Russian state news agencies. This absence underscored the awkwardness of a meeting between Putin and Western leaders at a time when relations between Russia and the West are at an all-time low. His decision to stay away from the funeral in Vatican City highlighted the complexities of international diplomacy and the delicate balance of power in the current global landscape.
In a letter dispatched to the Vatican, Putin described Pope Francis as a "wise" religious leader, a "statesman," and a "consistent defender of the high values of humanism and justice." This statement, while seemingly honoring the deceased pontiff, was juxtaposed with the realities of the strained relationship, a calculated diplomatic move designed to maintain a semblance of respect while simultaneously acknowledging the deep-seated differences.
Despite the official expressions of sympathy, the impact of the war in Ukraine on the relationship between the two leaders cannot be overstated. Pope Francis, for the first time, directly appealed to Vladimir Putin to halt the "spiral of violence and death" in Ukraine, declaring that he was haunted by "rivers of blood." He also expressed his readiness to meet with Putin in Moscow to work towards peace. The pope's willingness to engage in such a dialogue demonstrated a commitment to diplomacy and the search for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
However, the Kremlin's ambassador to the Holy See lodged a formal protest with the Vatican, expressing Moscow's "indignation" over the Pope's condemnation of atrocities in Ukraine. This action highlighted the deep chasm between the Vatican's stance on human rights and the Russian government's narrative of the war. It was a clear indication that the relationship was not merely strained, but potentially fractured by the conflicting views and interpretations of the conflict.
The Pope's strong words against the war, including his refusal to use the euphemism "military operation" and his reference to a "sacrilegious" act, drew condemnation in some circles. The pontiff's consistent denunciation of the war and his appeal for peace, regardless of any political pressures, has been a defining characteristic of his papacy. These statements, alongside the condemnation from the Kremlin, illustrate the widening gap between the Vatican and Moscow.
Adding another layer to the complexity of this diplomatic dance, President Putin met with Pope Francis on June 10 to discuss possible pathways to peace in Ukraine and the Middle East. The meeting, which took place in the Vatican, provided an opportunity for direct communication between the two leaders. Although the details of the private discussions were not disclosed, the fact that they took place at all demonstrated the importance of dialogue in the face of a major international crisis.
The funeral of Pope Francis will be held in the Vatican. This event will likely draw world leaders and dignitaries. The absence of Vladimir Putin will be conspicuous, providing a stark visual representation of the current state of relations between the Holy See and Russia.
