ROME – After a diplomatic rift caused by one of Pope Francis’s off-the-cuff remarks about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Vatican on Tuesday released a statement saying that he unambiguously condemns the “large-scale war in Ukraine initiated by the Russian Federation.”
According to the Vatican’s press office, the many remarks by Francis and his collaborators on the war “are mostly aimed at inviting pastors and the faithful to prayer,” and calling for “solidarity and efforts to rebuild peace.”
“On more than one occasion, as well as in recent days, public discussions have arisen about the political significance to be attached to such interventions,” says the statement. “In this regard, it is reiterated that the Holy Father’s words on this dramatic issue should be read as a voice raised in defense of human life and the values attached to it, and not as political stances.”
“As for the large-scale war in Ukraine initiated by the…
