2023-09-10 15:24:37
Tensions between Ukraine and the Vatican increased over the weekend. The Vatican Bank IOR sharply rejected the accusation by Zelenskyj advisor Mykhailo Podoliak that they were managing Russian money. According to a statement by the financial institution on Saturday, these are “insinuations” that are “resolutely” rejected. The Vatican Bank IOR pointed out that such action was not possible at all due to the bank’s strict policy and the international sanctions against Russia.
Antonio Spadaro, a close confidant of Pope Francis, also defended the pope against Ukrainian accusations that he was glorifying Russian imperialism. There is probably no other leader in the world who is so emphatically opposed to imperialism as Francis, Spadaro wrote on Saturday on Portal X. One must always bear in mind that the Pope is not a politician, but “a shepherd”, he said Editor-in-Chief of the Italian Jesuit Magazine.
“Russia-friendly and unbelievable”
Zelensky’s adviser Podoljak had described Francis as “Russia-friendly and unbelievable” with regard to his efforts to mediate between Moscow and Kiev. “It makes no sense to talk about a mediator under the name of Roman Pope if he takes a pro-Russian position that is obvious to everyone,” Popolyak said in an interview with the Ukrainian broadcaster Kanal 24. This has “extremely negative” effects on the war . “We are not receiving fair assessments of this war from the Vatican.”
In this context, the Zelensky adviser also spoke of “investments by the Russian Federation in the Vatican Bank”, which would have to be examined in more detail. Popolyak had repeatedly expressed criticism of the Vatican and its attitude towards Russia.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Francis has been accused of being too pro-Russian. A few days ago, in an unusual step, he described his most recent statements on Russia as “not happy”. In a video conversation, he asked young Russians not to forget their origins; they are “heirs of the great Russia”. He cited Peter the Great and Catherine II as examples.
Published/Updated: Recommendations: 7 Gerhard Gnauck, Warsaw Published/Updated: Recommendations: 40 Thomas Jansen Published/Updated: , Recommendations: 5
He was then accused, particularly by the Ukrainian side, of glorifying Russian imperialism. Francis explained that he only wanted to remind the Russian youth of their own heritage and, for the sake of simplicity, spoke of the “heritage of Great Russia”. The names of Peter the Great and Catherine II came to mind from his own school lessons.
On behalf of the Pope, the chairman of the Italian bishops’ conference, Matteo Cardinal Zuppi, has been trying to initiate negotiations between Moscow and Kiev since May; so far without visible success.
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