Russia's Foreign Ministry has said that the Vatican has apologized over Pope Francis' comments on soldiers fighting in the war in Ukraine.
In an interview with America magazine, the Pope said that the “cruelest” soldiers fighting in the war are not of the Russian tradition, but are Chechen and Buryati, different ethnic groups within Russia.
The statement was condemned by Russia's foreign ministry, the spokesperson for which, Maria Zakharova, criticized a Vatican offer to host peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv due to the Pope's comments.
The Vatican press office confirmed that the Holy See has used its diplomatic channels with the Russian government to communicate on the matter.
Russian state media reports that the statement, issued on behalf of Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, makes an apology to Russia, and emphasized the “deep respect” the Holy See has for all Russian peoples.
In a press briefing, Zakharova said that the Vatican's apology produced “sincere respect” by Russia and demonstrated its capacity to dialogue, adding that the Russian Foreign Ministry will resume constructive interactions with the Vatican.
JM
