MFA of Ukraine: The Pope’s words about Mother Russia are "disappointing"

Pope Francis holding the Ukrainian flag from Bucha. Photo: vaticannews.va

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded to the Pope's address to young Russian Catholics, in which he referred to them as heirs of the great empire.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oleg Nikolenko, stated on Facebook that it is with "such imperialistic propaganda," the "spiritual bonds," and the "need" for the salvation of the "great Mother Russia" that the Kremlin justifies the killings of thousands of Ukrainian men and women, as well as the destruction of hundreds of Ukrainian cities and villages.

Oleg Nikolenko is "deeply disappointed" that the words of Pope Francis are echoing "Russian imperial ideas, which are precisely the cause of Russia's chronic aggressiveness."

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Pope referred to Russians as heirs of the great empire, the great mother Russia.

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