Vatican Clarifies Pope's 'Great Mother Russia' Remark

Facts

• The Vatican has clarified Pope Francis's recent remarks about Russia's imperialist past, arguing that he never intended to encourage imperialistic ideas or Russia's war in Ukraine.¹
• In a video address to the 10th All-Russian Catholic Youth Assembly in St. Petersburg on Friday, the pontiff reportedly said: "Never forget your heritage. You are the descendants of great Russia: the great Russia of saints, rulers, the great Russia of Peter I, Catherine II, that empire — educated, great culture, and great humanity."²
• After his words drew criticism, director of the Holy See Press Office Matteo Bruni released a statement saying: "the pope intended to encourage young people to preserve and promote what is positive in Russia's great cultural and spiritual heritage," rather than "to exalt imperialistic logics and governmental personalities."³
• Francis's comments sparked outrage in Ukraine, where foreign ministry spokesman Oleh Nikolenko argued they exemplified "the kind of imperialist propaganda ... which the Kremlin uses to justify the murder of thousands of Ukrainians and the destruction of hundreds of Ukrainian towns and villages."²
• Furthermore, Ukraine's Greek Catholic leader, His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk, alleged that the pope's reference to Russia's imperial leaders "refer to the worst example of Russian imperialism and extreme nationalism."¹
• Following the controversy, Francis's name temporarily appeared on the "hit list" of Myrotvorets — a Ukrainian website that reportedly has links with Kyiv. It has since been removed.⁴

Sources: ¹Associated Press, ²CNN, ³FOX News, and ⁴Reliable Recent News.

Narratives

• Pro-Ukraine narrative, as provided by Ukrainska Pravda. It's disappointing that Pope Francis used his speech to praise the same imperialist Russian leaders that Pres. Vladimir Putin often refers to in justification of his illegal invasion of Ukraine. The pope needs to condemn these actions, not mindlessly repeat the same propaganda spouted by the Kremlin.
• Pro-Russia narrative, as provided by TASS. Pope Francis's comments demonstrate a deep understanding of Russian history and heritage. Peter I and Catherine II were great leaders — the pope didn't commit a crime by encouraging his young audience to uphold their great legacy and ideas. Considering he never even discussed the military operation in Ukraine, the criticism he currently faces is unfortunate.

Predictions