journal article

Instrumentalization of Pope Francis’s Anti-War Discourse in the Cognitive Warfare of the Russian Federation

Jureńczyk Ł.; Baranowska A.; Wałdoch M.

Publication year: 2025
Source / journal: pastoral psychology
Country of origin: Poland
Language: English
Institution type: Academic
Authors’ affiliations: Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland
Academic discipline: Military Influence & Security Doctrine; Cognitive & Behavioral Sciences; Media, Communication & Discourse Studies; Human–Machine & Algorithmic Mediation
Actors: Russia; Government Agencies; Media Organisations
Contribution type: Empirical; Methodological
Import source: Scopus export

Abstract

This study examines the Russian Federation’s use of Pope Francis’s anti-war discourse as part of its cognitive warfare related to the war in Ukraine. The analysis is based on a dataset comprising statements published by Pope Francis and the Vatican during his pontificate, as well as articles published in selected pro-government Russian online media. The focus is on how these media construct a narrative around Pope Francis’s anti-war rhetoric. The aim of the study is to determine whether this discourse was used for cognitive purposes to disseminate false narratives, including fake news, that could influence the attitudes of Russian and Ukrainian citizens, as well as those of Western countries, toward the war in Ukraine. © The Author(s) 2025.

Author keywords

anti-war discourse; cognitive warfare; pope francis; russian propaganda; war in ukraine

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