The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) is deeply shocked by Pope Francis’ comments praising Russia’s imperialist and aggressive past and have joined the Ukrainian Catholic Church, Ukrainian government representatives, and the Ukrainian World Congress in condemning the Pope’s words and seeking further clarification.
On Friday August 25, the Pope addressed participants at a Russian Catholic Youth Day in St Petersburg, by referring to “the great Russia of Peter I, Catherine II, that great, enlightened empire – a country of great culture and humanity. Never forsake this legacy. You are the descendants of the great Mother Russia, step forward with this.”
Mr Stefan Romaniw OAM, AFUO Co-Chair said today “As noted by Beatitude Sviatoslav, Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, in order to avoid any manipulation as to the intentions, context and statements assigned to the Holy Father, we expect the Holy See to explain this situation.
“Putin has consistently raised the spectre of Russia’s ‘great past’, an anachronistic model of an imperial tsatrist past and myth of Slavic unity, to justify his illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine. It is shocking and abhorrent to hear the Pope use the very same words and concepts when speaking to Russian young people,“ said Mr Romaniw.
“It is time Russia finally abandoned the neo-authoritarianism and imperialism which has generated its illegal and immoral wars against countries like Ukraine, and joined the modern world. One where it is not ordinary to invade your peaceful neighbour. Where international rules and laws are followed. Where relations between nations are built on respect for equal rights and self-determination of peoples.
“We believe that as a man of peace, the Pope should be condemning Russian neo- imperialism and aggression and encouraging young Russians to denounce this as a way of life.
“We also believe the Pope should consider the hurt and pain his words have caused to the millions of Ukrainians who have lost loved ones, been forced to flee their homes, suffered injuries, and witnessed horrific war crimes as a result of Russian neo-imperialism and aggression.
“In a few days, the bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church will meet in Rome for the annual Synod of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. We hope the bishops will have the opportunity to meet the Pope and explain to him why his comments have been so distressing for Ukrainian people,” he added.
