ON THE PAPAL AIRCRAFT, Sept 15 (Reuters) – Pope Francis said on Thursday it was morally legitimate for nations to supply weapons to Ukraine to help the country defend itself against Russian aggression. Speaking to reporters on a plane returning from a three-day trip to Kazakhstan, Francis also urged Kyiv to be open to potential dialogue, even though it might “reek” because it would be difficult for the Ukrainian side. The war in Ukraine, which Russia invaded on February 24, set the scene for the Pope’s visit to Kazakhstan, where he attended a conference of religious leaders from around the world. read more Sign up now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comSign up At a 45-minute airborne press conference, a reporter asked whether it was morally right for countries to send weapons to Ukraine. “It is a political decision that can be moral, morally acceptable, if it is made under moral conditions,” Francis said. He set forth the “Just War” principles of the Roman Catholic Church, which allow for the proportionate use of lethal weapons in self-defense against an aggressor nation. “Self-defense is not only legal but also an expression of love for the country. Someone who does not defend himself, who does not defend something, does not love it. Those who defend (something) love it,” he said. Pope Francis answers questions from reporters during a briefing on the papal plane on his flight back to Rome after visiting Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, September 15, 2022. Alessandro Di Meo/POOL via REUTERS Explaining the difference between when it is ethical or unethical to procure weapons from another country, Francis said: “It can be unethical if the intent is to cause more war or to sell weapons or arms that (a country) no longer needs. The motive is what largely characterizes the morality of that action,” he said. The pope, who for the second time on an international trip sat at the news conference instead of standing because of a persistent knee ailment, was asked whether Ukraine should negotiate with the country that invaded it and whether there was a “red line” Ukraine he should draw, depending on Russian activities, after which he could refuse to negotiate. “It is always difficult to understand dialogue with countries that have started a war… it is difficult, but it should not be dismissed,” he said. “I would not rule out dialogue with any power that is at war, even if it is with the aggressor… Sometimes you have to have dialogue that way. It stinks, but it has to be done,” he said. The Pope used the Italian word “puzza” (smell or stench), which is the colloquial equivalent of the English “hold your nose” to describe doing something one would rather not do. “It (dialogue) is always a step forward, with an outstretched hand, always. Because otherwise we close the only logical door to peace,” Francis said. “Sometimes they (the attacker) don’t accept dialogue. What a shame. But dialogue should always be held or at least offered. And that’s good for those who offer it,” he said. Sign up now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comSign up Report by Philip Pullella Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
