Pope Francis has called the invasion of Ukraine “senseless” after being criticized for calling Russian ultranationalist Darya Dugina an innocent victim of war.
Referring to his “numerous interventions” in the context of the war, the Vatican’s daily bulletin said: “On more than one occasion, as in recent days, public discussions have arisen about the political importance to be attached to these interventions
“In this sense, it is reiterated that the words of the Holy Father on this dramatic subject must be interpreted as a voice raised in defense of human life and the values associated with it, and not as a political position.
“Regarding the large-scale war in Ukraine, initiated by the Russian Federation, the interventions of the Holy Father Francis are clear and unequivocal in condemning it as morally unjust, unacceptable, barbaric, senseless, disgusting and sacrilegious.”
Pope Francis sparked controversy when he said “the innocent pay for war” and referred to “that poor girl blown up by a bomb under the seat of a car in Moscow” last Wednesday.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba summoned the Vatican’s ambassador to Kyiv to protest, saying the Pope’s words were “unfair” and had “broken Ukraine’s heart”.
This move followed sharp criticism of the Pope by Ukraine’s ambassador to the Vatican, Andrii Yurash.