Despite his hopes to declare victory over Ukraine May 9, Russian president Vladimir Putin instead used his speech that day to rehash his complaint that the West and NATO had forced him to send troops into Ukraine. More surprising was that Pope Francis echoed Putin’s sentiments in an interview that earned him condemnation by the Wall Street Journal editorial board.  This week on “Inside the Vatican,” veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell and host Colleen Dulle unpack the pope’s comments. They also discuss the religious implications of the Russia-Ukraine war and how it threatens work towards Christian unity. After that, the two discuss why the Vatican postponed Pope Francis’ scheduled trip to Lebanon before giving an update on Cardinal Becciu’s testimony at what’s been called the Vatican’s “trial of the century.” In a highly unusual move, Cardinal Becciu revealed confidential information about how much the Vatican was willing to spend to ransom a kidnapped nun. Gerry explains how this revelation could put the safety of church workers around the world at risk. Links from the show: Pope Francis: ‘I am ready to go to Moscow’ to end the war in Ukraine What critics of Pope Francis’ NATO comments don’t understand about Vatican diplomacy Pope Francis approved spending 1 million euros to free nun kidnapped by Al-Qaeda-linked militants Podcast: The Vatican’s $200 million London real estate scandal, explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices