Pope Francis has come underneath hearth after he inspired Russian youths not to quit their “legacy” as heirs of a “great, enlightened Russian empire.”
“Never give up this legacy, you are the heirs of the great Mother Russia, go forward with it,” Pope Francis instructed younger Russians gathered for the All-Russian Meeting of Catholic Youth in St. Petersburg on Friday.
During the speech, a clip of which was posted on-line, the pope additionally invoked former Russian emperors Peter I and Catherine II, two rulers who performed key roles in increasing Russia’s conquests in Europe, and who’re generally known as symbols of Russian imperialism.
“You are the heirs of the great Russia: the great Russia of saints, of kings, the great Russia of Peter the Great, of Catherine II, of that great, enlightened Russian empire, of great culture and great humanity,” he mentioned.
The feedback have sparked outrage on-line, with many criticizing the pope’s resolution to reward Russia’s imperialist previous, particularly contemplating the Kremlin’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
However, in the remainder of his speech, posted on-line by the Vatican, the pope tells Russian youth to be “artisans of peace” and to “sow seeds of reconciliations.”
Pope Francis has repeatedly criticized the Russian invasion of Ukraine, calling for an finish to the battle. But has additionally made some controversial remarks, seemingly blaming NATO for the battle, and has refused to denounce Putin by identify.
