Pope Francis: "The UN Has No Power to Resolve the Ukraine War"

Pope Francis [Photo by Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Byunghee Park] Pope Francis pointed out the inherent limitations of international organizations and expressed the view that the United Nations does not have the power to resolve the war in Ukraine.

In an interview released on the 1st (local time) with Argentina's state news agency 'Telam,' the Pope expressed this stance in response to the question, "Is peace possible through international organizations?"

The Pope said, "There was trust in the UN after World War II, but at this point, the UN does not have the power to assert its authority," adding, "The UN does not have the power to resolve conflicts as we are witnessing in Europe now." He further explained, "I am not trying to insult international organizations. It is just that the charter does not grant such power to the UN."

This is interpreted as pointing out the inherent limitations of international organizations, whose authority is limited to resolving international wars or conflicts.

The Pope also said, "Some prominent organizations are in crisis or have worsened and are experiencing conflicts," adding, "What we need now is courage and creativity. Without these two, it will be difficult to see international organizations that help overcome very serious conflicts and these deadly situations."

The Pope identified the cause of the continuous wars occurring around the globe, including in Ukraine, Rwanda, Syria, Lebanon, and Myanmar, as a "lack of dialogue."

He criticized, "Solving problems through war means rejecting the human capacity for dialogue and constructive ability."

The Pope also pointed out that arms sales fuel wars and raised his voice, saying, "If no weapons were produced for a year, there would be no more hunger in this world."