Zelensky invites Pope Francis to 30th anniversary of Ukraine's independence

The invitation to Kyiv to Pope Francis was conveyed by Denis Shmyhal. Photo: kmu.gov.ua

Vladimir Zelenskyy invited the head of the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) Pope Francis to come to Ukraine to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Independence, reports the Communications Department of the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

The invitation was conveyed by the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denis Shmyhal during a meeting with Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican on March 25, 2021. “The Prime Minister conveyed to His Holiness Pope Francis the invitation of the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky to pay a visit to Ukraine on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Independence,” the ministry reports.

Whether the head of the RCC accepted Zelensky's invitation to attend the festive events in Kyiv, to which the head of the Phanar had already promised to come, the Cabinet of Ministers did not specify.

As the UOJ reported, Vladimir Zelensky invited Patriarch Bartholomew to Ukraine to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's independence.
 

Read also

In Ukraine, Trump’s 'spiritual advisor' reassured of religious freedom

Pastor Mark Burns stated that Ukraine, despite the war, is a "beacon of religious freedom."

Lavra brethren congratulate Metropolitan Pavel on 31 years as abbot

The monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra have expressed hope that they will soon be able to pray again with their abbot.

Amsterdam: Intrusion into Lavra Caves – a return to Soviet-era persecution

International lawyer Robert Amsterdam has condemned the actions of Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture regarding the inspection of holy relics in the Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, calling it a violation of religious freedom.

Over 20 EU states condemn Hungary for ban on LGBT propaganda among children

“This restricts the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” diplomats state in a joint declaration.

His Beatitude officiates consecration of Bishop of Rakhiv

At the Church of St. Agapitus in the Lavra, the Primate of the UOC ordained a vicar for the Khust Eparchy.

Met Victor: It is painful to see Lavra's relics turned into test subjects

According to the bishop, there is particular concern over how members of the scientific commission will handle the holy relics.