Pope Francis, known for his progressive approach and advocacy for social issues, left a mixed legacy during his 12-year papacy. While he gained global praise for supporting immigrants and condemning laws against homosexuality, his time as pope also included moments of controversy — particularly concerning his response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Despite widespread support for Ukraine following the 2022 invasion, Pope Francis faced backlash for not clearly condemning Russia. His suggestion in March 2024 that Ukraine should consider negotiating and “raise the white flag” sparked outrage. Ukrainian officials, including their Vatican ambassador and religious leaders, compared this sentiment to appeasement during World War II. President Zelenskyy later responded indirectly, emphasizing that the church should stand with those under attack, not from afar.
The Vatican later clarified that the Pope was promoting peace through negotiation, not surrender. Still, this didn’t fully repair the tension. In December 2024, Francis again angered Ukrainians by calling Russia and Ukraine “brothers,” though he later acknowledged the “martyred” suffering of Ukraine and condemned global conflicts.
Pope Francis and President Zelenskyy met multiple times, with their final meeting in October 2024 focusing on the trauma facing Ukrainian children. Despite Ukraine’s criticisms, the Pope did take supportive actions — including sending four ambulances to the war zone and assisting with returning Ukrainian children taken to Russia.
After the Pope’s passing, which marked the first papal burial outside the Vatican in over a century, over 250,000 mourners gathered in St. Peter’s Square, including Zelenskyy and world leaders like Donald Trump. Although Francis asked to be buried simply in Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, his funeral drew international attention.
Zelenskyy offered condolences and praised the Pope’s calls for peace, noting the importance of spiritual diplomacy. He and his wife, Olena Zelenska, attended the funeral in solemn attire — she in black, and he in a military-style jacket, consistent with his wartime image. Zelenskyy has famously refused to wear a suit during the war, explaining that he’ll return to formal dress only once peace is achieved.
Though a senior Ukrainian official anonymously stated the Pope “could have done more” for Ukraine and failed to distinguish clearly between aggressor and victim, the Vatican’s humanitarian efforts were acknowledged. Ultimately, Zelenskyy paid tribute to Pope Francis as a spiritual figure who, despite controversy, consistently called for peace.