Pope Francis justified his much-criticized comments about Russia. During a video conference in late August, the head of the Catholic Church told young Russians that they were heirs to a great Russia and should never give up this legacy. Furthermore, he wasn’t thinking about imperialism when he made his comments – rather, he was thinking about Russia’s “very beautiful” heritage, the pontiff said on the flight back to Rome after his trip to Mongolia.
What goals did Pope Francis pursue in Mongolia.
September 2, 2023 | 01:25 minutes
In the video link, the 86-year-old told young Russians as he said goodbye: “Never forget your heritage. You are the heirs of great Russia.” He recalled the “great Russia of saints, of kings, the great Russia of Peter the Great and Catherine II”. Finally he said: “Never give up this inheritance. You are the heirs of the great mother of Russia.”
He just wanted to send a message to young people in Russia to be aware of their heritage. He always says that, Francisco continued on Monday. He never referred to imperialism, but rather to Russian literature and music. Because, according to Francisco’s words, culture is not transmitted in an imperialist way, but always through dialogue. He emphasized again: “Russia has a very great heritage.”
Pope Francis has repeatedly called for a peaceful solution to the 19-month-old war. Since the beginning of the war, the Vatican has often offered itself as a mediator. In his public appearances, the pontiff regularly reminds us of the suffering of Ukrainians. However, he does not directly name Russia as the aggressor on these occasions, which has cost him initial sympathy in Ukraine.
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