Russian embassy sends anniversary wishes to Pope Francis - Vatican. The message comes against the backdrop of recent controversy over an interview by the pope on Ukraine.
Italian Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister AntonioTajani told La7 he thought "Francis was just being the pope, he gave a message of peace" The Vatican subsequently clarified that Francis was not asking Ukraine to surrender. However, Kyiv reacted angrily, saying his country would never raise any flag other than its national flag in yellow and blue.