Pope: Vatican Involved in Russia-Ukraine Peace Mission

Image copyright: AP Photos [via NBC News]

The Spin

Narrative A

Pope Francis has explicitly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and made countless appeals to end the war. Since the pope has previously engaged in a number of prisoner swaps and negotiations, his latest attempt to reconcile Russia and Ukraine is significant. It could bring positive results in ending an absurd and cruel war.

Narrative B

The pope has repeatedly offered to mediate a peace process throughout the conflict to no avail. So what's different to make us believe his efforts would succeed this time? Moreover, when he describes the war as Russian expansionism and imperialism and he holds the Ukrainian flag, it's clear which side of the conflict he sides with.

Metaculus Prediction


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