Religious Scholar: Vatican's Silence Benefits Russia — Open Condemnation of Aggression Needed

Religious scholar Anatolii Babyinsky stated that the new Pope must clearly condemn Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, as this is what Ukrainian society expects. The statement was reported by RBC-Ukraine.

«I am convinced that such open, direct condemnation would contribute to peace more than quiet diplomacy. This aggressor must be exposed and brought to light. Russia relies on backroom diplomacy — they are masters of it,» Babyinsky said.

According to him, the Vatican’s ongoing practice of “quiet diplomacy” is ineffective, as it allows Russia to interpret silence as support for its actions.

«In Ukraine, the Pope is perceived not as a diplomat, but as a moral leader of the world, and people want to hear clear moral judgments from him,» the scholar added.

Babyinsky also emphasized that a statement from the new pontiff expressing willingness to visit Ukraine would be received positively.

«I think if the new Pope declared his readiness to come to Ukraine, it would encourage all of us, worn out by the fourth year of this war. We know that Popes have been willing to travel even to countries experiencing active conflict. For instance, John Paul II visited Lebanon during the war with Syria. So there are no obstacles that cannot be overcome. After all, many world leaders have visited our country during the war,» Babyinsky concluded.

As a reminder, Reuters sources in the Vatican have reported a tentative date for the start of the conclave, during which the new Pope will be elected. It is noted that the Sistine Chapel, the traditional site for papal elections, has already been closed to tourists as it is being prepared for the election process.