Lukashenka invites Pope Benedict XVI to visit Belarus

Alyaksandr Lukashenka has invited Pope Benedict XVI to visit Belarus at his convenience. The matter was under discussion at the Belarusian leader’s meeting with the Vatican’s secretary of state, Tarcisio Bertone, in Minsk on June 20. The matter was under discussion at the Belarusian leader’s meeting with the Vatican’s secretary of state, Tarcisio Bertone, in Minsk on June 20.

They agreed that Belarus and the Roman Catholic Church would draw up a cooperation agreement, according to the presidential press office. Mr. Lukashenka reportedly stressed that the Roman Catholic community was one of the biggest in Belarus, having a significant potential and much experience in social activities.

“The Roman Catholic Church is doing much to strengthen the traditional Christian values – family, morality, mercy – in society,” he was quoted as saying.

Mr. Lukashenka said that he had a warm personal relationship with the country’s top Catholic clerics. “I welcomed the return of Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, archbishop of the Minsk-Mahilyow Archdiocese, to the native land. He is a true patriot of his country and treats the processes that take place in Belarus with understanding. I’m sure that he will fight for our state’s independence and sovereignty and the state will be a reliable support for him in this,” he said.

The head of state noted that the Belarusian authorities were ready for large-scale dialogue and cooperation with historically traditional denominations that work for the public good and seek to help people. “In this context the Roman Catholic Church is our longtime partner,” he was quoted as saying.

Msgr. Bertone, for his part, said that the Roman Catholic Church recognized the role of Belarus as a bridge between the East and the West and was ready to helpdevelop these relations.

“The presence of the state secretary in Belarus is a sign that the Pope welcomes and shows his respect to the president and all citizens of Belarus,” the cardinal said. “Pope Benedict XVI expresses words of admiration for peace and understanding that we see in your country. He expresses words of big joy that there are many values that we preach together, values that are present in your land.”