Last dictator of Europe received Pope’s medal

The medal was awarded by Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

“I want to give pontifical benediction to your state activities for the sake of the peace and the people,” Cardinal Walter Kasper is quoted by the official new agency BelTA.

“He gave me his personal pontifical benediction. He also reminded me of the visit of Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertonem and the agreement that is now being developed by the Holy See and Belarus,” Cardinal Walter Kasper said.

According to him, this is his second visit to Belarus and he is glad to have an opportunity to meet with Metropolitan Filaret. “The Catholic and Orthodox churches have been developing good relations over the recent years. They should work together to reach mutual understanding, peace and justice all around the world,” Cardinal Walter Kasper said.

Speaking about the international conference on Christian-Jewish dialogue held in Minsk on 9-11 November, he said that the relations between these two religions have been rather complicated throughout their history. “I am glad that these two religions are entering into a dialogue,” the Cardinal said.

According to him, the global economic crisis “is not only a crisis in the economy and environment, but a crisis of mutual understanding between the peoples.” “The church and society should work together to enable every person to use his rights and be treated with respect,” the Vatican representative concluded.