Kiev calls Pope Francis "pro-Russian" - rejects Vatican mediation efforts

Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podoliak today rejected the Vatican's efforts to mediate between Ukraine and Russia, saying that Pope Francis is "pro-Russian".

For months, the Vatican has been trying to start talks between the two countries with the help of a special adviser.

Podoliak was referring to a statement the Pope made in a speech in late August. On August 25, speaking out of context and addressing Russia's Catholic youth, Francis referred to Czars Peter I and Catherine II — both of whom expanded Russian territories at the time — and told his audience that they are the heirs of " a great Russian empire. ".

This statement caused an outcry in Ukraine, because Russian President Vladimir Putin invokes the legacy of these two tsars to justify the invasion and annexation of Ukrainian territories. The Kremlin, in turn, praised the Pope for his knowledge of Russian history.

After the backlash, the Pope said he was referring to Russian culture, not Moscow's politics, when he spoke of "Greater Russia".

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