Pope did not aim to glorify imperialism in remarks on Russian tsars - Vatican

FILE PHOTO: Pope Francis attends a meeting with nuns of Sisters Disciples of Jesus in the Eucharist in Paul VI hall, at the Vatican, August 25, 2023. REUTERS/Remo Casilli/File Photo

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis did not intend to glorify Russian imperialism when he extolled tsars that expanded the Russian empire, the Vatican said on Tuesday, after remarks last week that were criticised by Ukraine while welcomed by the Kremlin.

Francis had told Russian youths in the unscripted remarks on Friday to remember that they are the heirs of past tsars such as Peter I and Catherine II.