Pope Francis' condemnation of the murder of Darya Dugina, daughter of a Putin collaborator, has sparked criticism, especially in Ukraine. The country's ambassador to the Holy See called the Pope's words 'disappointing.' The Vatican responded with a statement recalling the Pope's numerous condemnations of the invasion.
POPE FRANCIS
March 27, 2022
More than a month has passed since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, of the beginning of this cruel and senseless war which, like every war, represents a defeat for everyone, for all of us.
This is the brutality of warbarbaric and sacrilegious act.
The communiqué stresses that the Pope only intends to 'raise his voice in defense of human life' and that he has no 'political positions.'
The Vatican also pointed out that when Russia started the war, Pope Francis described it as 'morally unjust, unacceptable, barbaric, senseless, repugnant and sacrilegious.' From the beginning, he has called it an 'invasion' and an 'aggression' against Ukraine.
At one of his General Audiences, the Pope kissed a Ukrainian flag. It came from the city of Bucha, where many civilians were killed by Russian soldiers.
POPE FRANCIS
April 6, 2022
This flag comes from the war, precisely from the martyred city of Bucha, and also here there are some Ukrainian children who accompany us. Let us greet them and pray with them.
There are many other examples, such as Pope Francis' meeting with the wives of soldiers of the Azov battalion or his meetings with the Ukrainian ambassador to the Holy See. Although, as the Holy See reminds us, the Pope does not seek to support any side but rather peace.
RM
TR: KG
