Exchange Between Vatican and Russia Pushes Forward International Dialogue

Dec. 15, 2022 (EIRNS)—Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova (in Russian) in her regular briefing today, replied to a media query: “It just so happens that within these hours, we received a letter through diplomatic channels from the Vatican, which contains an official statement on behalf of Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin in connection with the Pontiff’s aforementioned statement. That statement says, in particular, the following: ‘The Vatican Secretariat of State apologizes to the Russian side. The Holy See has the utmost respect for all peoples of Russia, their dignity, faith and culture, as well as for other countries and peoples of the world,’ ” TASS reported her as saying.

Notably, Zakharova stressed in the continuation of her response:

“The ability to admit one’s mistakes is increasingly rare in contemporary international communication. This situation shows that behind the Vatican’s calls for dialogue stands the ability to conduct this dialogue and to listen to the interlocutors. I can tell you right now that this approach evokes sincere respect. We think that this incident is over and we hope that we will continue constructive cooperation with the Vatican.”

Zakharova’s timely response to the Vatican’s straightforward apology, given that the Vatican is offering to sponsor peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine with no preconditions, is an important diplomatic gain. Further, it can be especially appreciated in light of the tensions of the last couple of weeks.

The brawl started with the Jesuit publication America, The Jesuit Review pushing Pope Francis for an anti-Russia statement in a Nov. 22 interview. They had asked Pope Francis: “Many in the United States have been confused by your seeming unwillingness to directly criticize Russia for its aggression against Ukraine, preferring instead to speak more generally of the need for an end to war, an end to mercenary activity rather than Russian attacks, and to the traffic in arms. How would you explain your position on this war to Ukrainians, or Americans and others who support Ukraine?”

Pope Francis took the bait. The particularly offensive part read: “When I speak about Ukraine, I speak about the cruelty because I have much information about the cruelty of the troops that come in. Generally, the cruelest are perhaps those who are of Russia but are not of the Russian tradition, such as the Chechens, the Buryati and so on.”

Of note, the Chechens are Muslim and the Buryats are Buddhist. Zakharova was not having any of the pitting of Russian Christians against Muslims or Buddhists. She first commented at a forum in Moscow: “This is no longer Russophobia, it’s a perversion on a level I can’t even name.” Then on Telegram, she pointed out that until recently the Western media had claimed that Slavs were “tormenting the people of the Caucasus,” referring to the conflict against the Chechen separatists, and now they say it’s the other way around, (that Chechens are tormenting Ukrainian Slavs). “We are one family with Buryats, Chechens and other representatives of our multinational and multi-faith country. And together we will definitely pray for the Holy See, each in their own way—wishing them delivery from temptation.”

Finally, the head of Buryatia, Alexei Tsydenov, also weighed in, as RT has reported, saying, that to hear the Pontiff accuse the Chechens and Buryats, who are protecting the Donbass civilians, of “cruelty” is “strange, to say the least.” Mentioning the Crusades, he said: “History knows many examples of those who considered themselves representatives of civilized nations destroying cities, countries and entire peoples.... If such people have taken note of our fighters, that means they are doing their job well. We’re proud of you, boys. God is with those defending justice!”

The exchange between the Vatican and Zakharova displays exactly the quality of statesmanship required to rise above nasty geopolitical operations.