Title: Lithuania Summons Vatican Diplomat Over Pope’s Controversial Remarks on Russia
In a recent development, Lithuania has summoned a Vatican diplomat for a discussion following Pope Francis’ controversial remarks regarding “great mother Russia”. According to the spokesperson for Lithuania’s foreign ministry, they have invited the Apostolic Nuncio to address the issue directly.
The conversation between the Vatican representative and Lithuania is scheduled to take place after Archbishop Petar Rajic returns from his vacation in early September. The spokesperson confirmed that the purpose of the conversation is to express Lithuania’s concerns regarding Pope Francis’ statements.
The Pope received widespread criticism for his comments, which urged Russian youths to remember their legacy as heirs to a “great, enlightened Russian empire.” He specifically mentioned former Russian emperors Peter I and Catherine II, who are widely seen as symbols of Russian imperialism.
These remarks sparked outrage in Kyiv, with the Pope being condemned for praising Russia’s imperialist past while Ukraine continues to face aggression. The spokesperson for Ukraine’s foreign ministry expressed disappointment, stating that it is unfortunate to hear such ideas from the leader of the Catholic Church.
In response, a spokesperson from the Vatican strongly denied the accusation, emphasizing that the Pope’s intention was to encourage young people to preserve and promote the positive aspects of Russia’s cultural and spiritual heritage. The Vatican spokesperson further highlighted that the Pope also called on Russian youth to be “artisans of peace” and to “sow seeds of reconciliation.”
It is important to note that Pope Francis has previously criticized the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, his recent controversial remarks seemingly blaming NATO for the conflict have stirred further debate.
As the conversation between Lithuania and the Vatican diplomat unfolds, many will be eager to see what actions will be taken to address the concerns raised. It remains to be seen whether this diplomatic engagement will lead to a better understanding and resolution of the issue.
With the controversy surrounding Pope Francis’ remarks, it is evident that the international community is closely watching the developments, hoping for a constructive outcome. As the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis holds immense influence, and his words carry significant weight in shaping global perceptions and promoting peace.
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