The differences between Ukraine and the Vatican continue to be talked about.
In an interview with Ukraine's Channel 24, Mykhailo Podolyak, a chief advisor of the President, insinuated that the IOR, the Vatican's financial institution, was receiving or investing money in Russia. The IOR responded forcefully in an unprecedented statement that denied the insinuations made. They stated that they do not do business with clients, institutions or individuals who do not have a close relationship with the Catholic Church.
In Ukraine, the Pope's recent statements referencing the Russian empire still remain relevant, even though he publicly recognized that his comments were short-sighted.
The Ukrainian President's advisor who made the statements on television said that they do not need Pope Francis to mediate between them and Russia, especially because they consider him to be a pro-Russian leader.
AT/JRB
