"Vatican diplomats work to address backlash over Pope's 'white flag' comments on Ukraine"

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin seeks to ease tensions following Pope Francis' comments urging Ukraine to have the "courage of the white flag" for negotiations with Russia to end the war. Parolin emphasized that any peace must be a "just peace" and that negotiations should not be seen as surrender. The Vatican's diplomatic corps is working to clarify Francis' informal remarks and maintain a position of diplomatic neutrality, as his comments have previously sparked controversy and displeasure from both Ukraine and Russia.