The only proof that Pope Francis ever expressed such an opinion are the words of propagandist Leonid Sevostyanov, who has previously attributed made up quotes to the pontiff.
Pro-Russian sources are spreading the news that Pope Francis has criticized the Global Peace Summit, which Ukraine will hold on June 15-16, 2024, in the Swiss resort of Burgenstock near the city of Lucerne. The pontiff allegedly said that without Russia’s participation, the peace talks are pointless — this was reported by the Russian religious figure Leonid Sevastyanov, who allegedly met with Francis in early June together with his wife and two children.
Screenshot — Telegram
However, there is no confirmation that the Pope expressed such an opinion. The head of the World Union of Old Believers, Leonid Sevostyanov, has previously attributed made up statements to the pontiff: in March we refuted the information that the Pope congratulated Putin on his «victory» in the presidential elections. There is also no confirmation that Sevastyanov and his family met Francis at all on June 1. In the digest of audiences, which is published daily by the Holy See press service, there is no mention of the Pope meeting with Sevastyanov and his wife. Despite the fact that the Russian media regularly quotes Leonid Sevastyanov regarding Pope’s attitudes towards the war in Ukraine, Francis himself has never mentioned his friendship with this person in public communication. It is also indicative that most of the «statements» of the pontiff, which Sevastyanov shares with the Russian press, clearly favor Russia in one way or another.
The actual position of the Pope regarding the Global Peace Summit is known from his meeting with the President of Switzerland, Viola Amherd, which took place in early May. The politician invited Francis to participate in the conference and said that the Pope is very optimistic about the event. The Holy See has not yet confirmed participation in the summit.
