Pope Francis said Monday, Sept. 4, that he was referring to Russia's rich cultural tradition when he spoke of a "great Russia" in a speech last month, comments that sparked outrage in Ukraine.
In a video message to young Catholic Russians on August 25, the 86-year-old pontiff said they should remember they were "children of great Russia, of great saints, of kings, of Peter the Great, of Catherine II, of a Russian people of great culture and great humanity".
Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko described the unscripted remarks as reminiscent of "imperialist propaganda" and "very unfortunate".
"I wasn't thinking about imperialism when I said that, I was talking about culture," Pope Francis told reporters on the papal plane following a trip to Mongolia.
He said his message was for the students to "embrace their heritage."
"Russian culture is one of great beauty and depth and doesn't get negated over political problems," he said. "They had dark political years, but the heritage has always remained."
Pope Francis regularly calls for peace in Ukraine, although in the early months after Russia's February 2022 invasion he drew criticism for not naming Moscow as the aggressor.
He appointed a top cardinal earlier this year to try to broker peace, who has since visited both Moscow and Kyiv.
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Comments (5)
The "pope" is a communist just like communist russia. This is the same dope of a pope who accepted a crucifix displaying Jesus nailed to a hammer and sickle given by former Bolivian President Evo Morales. Now, can you imagine the world outcry had it been a swastika? communism always gets a pass.
#VaticanMoscoPact
Another age enfeebled "leader". His stupid utterances and frequent deference to totalitarian masters of jackboot trodden countries need to stop.
Vicious hatred of Russia so blatantly expressed by the functionaries of the current Kiev regime demonstrates clearly the clear and present danger it presents to the safety and security of Russia. Russia’s operation to eliminate this mortal threat is wholly justified.
No wonder Putin feels enabled, when people in positions of power do the bare minimum to stop the bloodshed and violence.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I can't think of one thing that the pope as done to help the Ukrainians during this murderous invasion.
Yeah, we all know what you said Popesie. So much for infallibility.