Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Pope Francis made a statement about the Russia-Ukraine war which shocked the world. The reason is, Pope Francis encouraged Ukraine to have “white flag” courage and start negotiating with Moscow to end the war.

Pope Francis' comments were made in an interview with Swiss media, RSI, which was recorded at the end of last month.

In the interview, Pope Francis answered questions about two different opinions regarding Ukraine. One party believes that Ukraine should surrender because they are no longer able to withstand the onslaught of the Russian army, while the other party states that Russia's invasion would be legitimized if Ukraine decided to surrender.

The interviewer used the term “white flag” in his question to Pope Francis.

“I think the strongest people are those who look at the situation, think of the people and have the courage of the 'white flag', and negotiate,” Pope Francis said. “The word negotiation is a word full of courage. If you feel like you are losing, and things are not going well, you have to have the courage to negotiate.”

According to Reuters, The interview was the first time Pope Francis used the terms “white flag” or “defeat” regarding the Russia-Ukraine war.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said that Pope Francis used the term “white flag” after a journalist who interviewed him then used the word “to end hostilities and seek common ground achieved through the courage to negotiate.”

In his letters to Kiev, Moscow and Washington DC sent last year, Pope Francis has also pushed for an end to the war.

“There may be shame. However, how many people will die in this war. Everyone must negotiate in time, find a country to be a mediator,” said Pope Francis in his letter.

In another part of the same interview, Pope Francis also spoke about the Gaza war. The Pope said: “Negotiation does not mean giving up.”

[Gambas:Video CNBC]

(dem/dem)