New Pope Denounced Russia’s ‘Imperialist’ Invasion of Ukraine in Old Interview
Reports surfaced that Pope Leo XIV has denounced Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a “real imperialist invasion” in a 2022 interview.
Pope Leo XIV became the first American Pope in history when he was elected Pope on Thursday after the passing of Pope Francis in late April, and his comments condemning Russia contrasted with the latter’s stance, which viewed the invasion more as a conflict between two parties.
The new Pope, in an old interview published in April 2022 when he was then a bishop, suggested that the world’s attitude toward Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine is “a grave problem that is affecting all of the world.”
He said Russia is “motivated by power” for the invasion, effectively rejecting Moscow’s claims that it invaded to secure the interests of the Russian-speaking population in Ukraine.
“But in my point of view it is due to a real imperialist invasion by Russia, where Russia is motivated by power, and well the strategic location, as well as its significance: culturally, and historically, and in production for Russia,” he said.
He added that while one should ask God for peace, one should also acknowledge the horrors committed in Ukraine – a comment he addressed to “some politicians” in the US.
“It’s also been proven that there have been crimes against humanity that are being committed in Ukraine. We have to ask God – a lot – for peace. But we also need to be more clear, ourselves,” he said.
“There are some politicians in our country who do not wish to recognize the horrors of this war and the evil Russia is doing in Ukraine,” he added.
Source: Kyiv Post