Criticism of Pope's Words in Zelensky's Office

In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Mikhailo Podolyak, an advisor to the head of the President of Ukraine’s office, expressed the opinion that Pope Francis has become a "tool of Russian propaganda" and has supported the "Russian world."

According to Podolyak, the Pope's statements are "destructive for modern humanism" and encourage imperialism.

On Friday, August 25, during the All-Russian Gathering of Catholic Youth in St. Petersburg, Pope Francis delivered a virtual address. The Pontiff referred to Russian youth as heirs of "great Russia, a country of great culture and great humanitarianism," urging them not to forget this legacy and not to abandon it.

The Pontiff's comments have faced criticism from Ukrainian authorities and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.