The pope’s words at the end of a long-distance dialogue with Russian Catholic youth gathered in St. Petersburg on August 25 were met with intense tension.
Francis, switching from the Spanish in which he prepared his speech, said in Italian: “Never forget your heritage, you are the children of the great Russia, the great Russia of the saints, the king, the great Russia of Peter I, Catherine II, this great empire, such a great culture and great humanity. has
Never give up on this tradition. You are heirs of Mother Russia, advance with her. As you are, I thank you for being Russians.
The Vatican did not release the updated passage when it announced the text of Saturday’s meeting.
Ukraine reacts to Pope’s words
A spokesman for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry referred to him on Monday, declaring: “It is a pity that the views of the great Russian power, which is actually responsible for Russia’s long-term aggression, come from his mouth, knowingly or unknowingly. In our opinion, the Pope’s intention is to open the eyes of Russian youth to the destructive course of the current Russian leadership.”
Ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko added on social media: “Such imperialist propaganda and the Kremlin justifies the murder of thousands of Ukrainian men and women and the destruction of hundreds of Ukrainian towns and villages in order to save Great Mother Russia.”
Nunciature ‘Rejects Explanations’
The Apostolic Nunciature in Kiev said in a statement: “Pope Francis has never promoted imperialist ideas. On the contrary, he is a staunch opponent and critic of all forms of imperialism or colonialism in all countries and situations.”
The nunciature noted that it “firmly rejects” media interpretations that the pope would encourage young Russian Catholics to follow the example of historical figures, to pursue imperialist or expansionist ideas and actions at the expense of neighboring countries. , including Ukrainian.”