Some of the main political forces in Italy and sectors of the Vatican have criticized US President Joe Biden for recent remarks about his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, whom he said, among other things, “he cannot stay in the state energy”.
Former Prime Minister and General Secretary of the Italian Democratic Party Enrico Letta wrote on Twitter that Biden’s speech in Warsaw last Saturday was “perhaps the one expected in Poland”, but “doubts and questions have arisen that should be clarified quickly”.
For his part, Acción leader Carlo Calenda called the White House tenant’s statements “irresponsible.” “It seems to me that even the most pro-Atlantic (like me) has to admit that the way Biden is talking about Russia is dangerous and irresponsible. He goes from one mistake to the next without any problems since the conflict broke out in Ukraine,” he tweeted.
Senator Paola Binetti spoke in the same direction. “Biden’s tones are certainly excessive and inappropriate for those who genuinely want peace more than anything,” the Union Center movement lawmaker said.
“Religion is not used for political purposes”
Likewise, Antonio Spadaro, director of La Civiltà Cattolica, the Vatican’s paraofficial journal, criticized Joe Biden for using a quote from Polish Pope John Paul II for political purposes during his speech in Warsaw. “Don’t be afraid,” the US President demanded a change of power in Russia. This famous phrase was said by John Paul II in October 1978 at the beginning of his pontificate.
“Religion is not used for political ends,” Spadaro said. “Relying on faith to justify one’s actions is clear exploitation,” lamented the director of La Civiltà Cattolica.
Following Biden’s words, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington had no “regime change strategy for Russia.”
The US President himself later stated that he had not called for a change in leadership in Russia when he said Putin “cannot remain in power”.