Pope Francis clearly condemns Russia’s ‘repugnant’ war, insists Vatican

Francis was speaking about Darya Dugina, the daughter of right-wing Russian political theorist Alexander Dugin, who fiercely backs the war

Pope Francis. Picture: Andrew Medichini/PA

The Vatican has moved to defend Pope Francis from allegations that he has not come down hard enough on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, saying the pontiff clearly views the war launched by Moscow as “senseless, repugnant and sacrilegious”.

Last week, Ukraine summoned the top papal diplomat to complain about recent comments by Francis.