Vatican’s Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin issued the clarification even as the Ukranian Foreign Ministry on Monday (March 12) summoned the papal nuncio to express the country’s displeasure to the Pope’s remarks last week.

Parolin stated in an interview with the Italian daily Corriere della Sera that negotiations for peace in Ukraine should commence only after Russia halts its aggression.

He emphasized that it is essential for the aggressors to cease firing to create conditions conducive to negotiating a cease-fire.

Parolin's remarks follow Pope Francis' comments urging Ukraine to initiate talks to end the war, which sparked controversy in Ukraine.

In an effort to ease tensions, Parolin clarified that the Pope's appeal is for creating conditions for a diplomatic solution to achieve a fair and lasting peace.

On Friday, Pope Francis advised Ukraine to have the courage to waive the “white flag” and negotiate for a ceasefire with Russia that launched a siege at Ukraine two years ago.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski rejected the call but said he appreciated those supporting his country “with prayer, with their discussion and with deeds>”

“Not, 2,500 kilometers away, somewhere, virtual mediation between someone who wants to live and someone who wants to destroy you,” Zelenski commented.

Parolin expressed the Holy See's concern about the risk of the war expanding and emphasized that he considers Russia as the aggressor in the conflict, suggesting that it is Russia's responsibility to take diplomatic steps to end the war.

Parolin also drew parallels between the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, highlighting their dangerous escalation, the need for resolution, and the impact on multiple countries.

He stressed that both conflicts require serious negotiations for a solution.