The Vatican defended the Pope, asserting that his intention was not to endorse present-day Russian aggression in Ukraine, Euronews has reported. During a video conference with Russian Catholic youth, the Pope lauded Russia's historical figures, yet he was careful not to glorify imperial reasoning. The Vatican omitted the Pope's recent statements from its official communication but shared his remarks on social media.
The head of the Vatican Press Office, Matteo Bruni, explained that Pope Francis aimed to highlight the positive aspects of Russia's cultural and spiritual history, citing historical figures like Peter the Great and Catherine the Great. The Vatican emphasized that the Pope does not support imperialist ideas but rather critiques all forms of imperialism and colonialism.
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church expressed reservations about the Pope's words, perceiving them as promoting undesirable nationalism. The Vatican's diplomatic representation in Kiev stated that the Pope's words were misinterpreted and distanced itself from such interpretations, underscoring that the Pope is a staunch opponent of any form of imperialism.
The Vatican seeks neutrality in the conflict and maintains its role in pursuing peace, even as Pope Francis often expresses empathy for the struggles faced by the Ukrainian people.
