Recent Statements about Russia: Pope Francis emphasizes cultural heritage and clarifies intentions

Recent statements about Russia, which were perceived in Ukraine as a glorification of imperialism, were poorly worded, Francis admitted.

The idea was to remind young Russians of cultural heritage, not political, he added.

“When I spoke about it, I did not mean imperialism,” the pope said, speaking to reporters on his way back from Mongolia.

“Perhaps I didn’t express myself very well, but when I was talking about the great Russia, I had in mind not so much the geographical as the cultural component,” Francis said, also mentioning one of his favorite writers, Dostoyevsky.

“It was a spontaneous comment that came to my mind because I have studied it (Russian history) at school,” explained the Pope, explaining why he mentioned the Russian tsars – Peter and Catherine.

“Russian culture – it is such beauty, such depth. It should not be canceled because of political problems. Russia had dark political periods, but the heritage remained, it is available to everyone,” reminded the head of the Catholic Church.

2023-09-05 12:42:13
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