29-8-2023 (VATICAN CITY) Pope Francis has drawn criticism for his recent comments in which he encouraged Russian young people to remember their historical heritage, including figures such as Peter the Great and Catherine II, who have been used by Russian President Vladimir Putin to justify the invasion of Ukraine.
The Vatican responded to the criticism, clarifying that the Pope did not intend to glorify Russian imperialism but rather aimed to inspire young people to preserve and promote the positive aspects of Russian culture and spirituality. The Vatican’s statement emphasized that the mention of historical personalities and periods was not meant to endorse imperialist ideologies.
The Pope made these remarks during a live video address to Catholic youths gathered in St. Petersburg last Friday. While delivering his prepared speech in Spanish, he spontaneously switched to Italian at the end and said:
“Don’t forget (your) heredity. You are heirs of the great Russia: the great Russia of the saints, of kings, the great Russia of Peter the Great, of Catherine II, the great Russian empire, cultured, so much culture, so much humanity. You are the heirs of the great mother Russia. Go forward.”
The Vatican released the text of the address without the improvised paragraph, but a video of the Pope making the comments was shared by religious websites.
The Pope’s reference to Catherine II, also known as Catherine the Great, who ruled from 1729 to 1796, has raised eyebrows as she annexed Crimea in 1783. Additionally, Catherine protected Jesuits in Russian-controlled lands after Pope Clement XIV suppressed the order worldwide in 1773. Pope Francis himself is a Jesuit.
The comments have sparked criticism from various quarters. An Italian website specializing in Catholic affairs, Il Sismografo, called the Pope’s remarks “odd” and pointed out the historical context of Catherine’s actions.
Former Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves expressed his disapproval on social media, calling the comments “revolting.” Additionally, Nexta, a site reporting on Belarus from Poland, highlighted the historical uprisings by Catholics in Poland, Lithuania, and Belarus against the “enlightened empire” mentioned by the Pope.
While Pope Francis has been critical of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, he has occasionally made comments that sparked controversy or upset some nations. His efforts to promote dialogue and bridge divisions in complex geopolitical situations often lead to scrutiny and debate.
