The Catholic bishops of Ukraine have rebuked Pope Francis for his comments on Russia, Reuters reports.


They said their two-hour meeting with the pontiff at the Vatican was a "frank conversation."


The prelates "expressed the pain, suffering and certain disappointment of the Ukrainian people" in connection with the papal statements.


Two days ago, Francis admitted that his statements about Russia were poorly worded. The bishops' statement also said that some of the statements and gestures of "the Holy See and Your Holiness are painful and difficult for the Ukrainian people, who are now bleeding to death in the struggle for their dignity and independence."


They said that such statements "are used by Russian propaganda to justify and support the murderous ideology of the 'Russian world'."


The statement quotes the Pope's words to the bishops. "I want to assure you of my solidarity with you and constant prayerful closeness. I am with the Ukrainian people," the bishops quote the Pope.